Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has approved plans to bring retired people back into the public sector on a part-time basis.
The scheme will target senior citizens, their spouses and other retired people who can return to work. According to a circular released by the Sharjah government’s official media office, the initiative will offer greater flexibility in public sector roles.
Sharjah retirement policy and flexible work
Under the new scheme, eligible retirees can work for three days a week. They can also request specific working hours in some cases.
The initiative aims to support a better work-life balance. It also seeks to improve the financial stability of families across Sharjah.
In addition, the scheme will create employment opportunities for people who receive social assistance and are capable of working.
The initiative is therefore designed to encourage greater participation in the workforce. It also aims to give public sector workers more flexibility in how they return to employment.
Sharjah public sector retirement age
Male employees in Sharjah’s public sector can retire at 55. They can also retire after completing 20 years of service.
However, men who retire after 20 years of service before reaching the age of 55 will receive only a percentage of their pension. Full pension payments begin when they reach the mandatory retirement age.
Female employees in Sharjah’s public sector can retire at 50. Women with children under 18 can retire at 45.
The retirement rules provide the wider context for the new initiative. The scheme creates an option for some retired workers to return to public sector employment on a more flexible basis.
Sharjah plans to hire 1,200 Emiratis
Alongside the retirement and flexible work initiative, Sheikh Dr Sultan has directed the Sharjah government to hire 1,200 Emiratis by the end of 2026.
The move forms part of a wider plan to increase the number of UAE citizens working in Sharjah’s public sector.
Sheikh Dr Sultan wants 3,000 Emiratis to be working in Sharjah’s public sector by the beginning of 2027.
The employment drive adds a further workforce focus to the emirate’s recent measures. It combines new opportunities for Emiratis with a flexible route back into employment for some retired residents.
Sharjah government minimum wage
The workforce measures follow reports that Sheikh Dr Sultan had approved a monthly minimum wage of AED20,000 for government employees in Sharjah.
The reported minimum wage is equivalent to about $5,445.
The latest initiative focuses on flexibility and workforce participation. It also provides a route for retired people and eligible social assistance recipients who are able to work to take up public sector roles.
For employers and HR leaders, the measures highlight Sharjah’s focus on workforce participation, flexible employment and opportunities within the public sector.
