Sharjah's Ruler Declares Emirate As 'Baby And Family Friendly' To Enhance Family Wellbeing

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially designated Sharjah as a "Baby and Family Friendly" emirate. This marks a significant step in the emirate's ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for children and families.

The declaration underscores Sharjah's commitment to family-focused policies across various sectors. These initiatives align with the standards of the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly accreditation, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in child and family care.

Since the 1950s, Sharjah has been at the forefront of providing services for mothers, children, and people of determination in the UAE. It was the first emirate to establish such services, reflecting its long-term investment in creating a family-friendly environment.

The emirate has implemented numerous initiatives to support this vision. These include mother- and child-friendly health facilities, urban planning that prioritises families, flexible parental work policies, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and awareness campaigns promoting maternal and child health.

Sharjah's achievements have garnered international acclaim. In 2015, it became the first Child-Friendly city recognised by UNICEF and WHO. By 2018, UNICEF declared it the first "Child and Adolescent-Friendly Emirate." The emirate renewed its commitment to UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative in November 2025.

The standards of the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly accreditation reflect the sustainability of the "Sharjah Child Friendly" project initiated in 2011. This project evolved into an accreditation programme by 2024, promoting shared responsibility for family wellbeing across sectors.

Progressive Policies

Sharjah has pioneered several progressive policies to enhance family life. It extended fully paid maternity leave to 12 weeks and introduced a four-day work week to improve work-life balance. These measures demonstrate its dedication to supporting families.

The emirate continues to advance its child- and family-friendly framework through community-engaged policies. These initiatives aim to set new benchmarks for child- and family-centred development both regionally and globally.

This announcement is a testament to Sharjah’s enduring vision centred on families. It highlights ongoing efforts to implement comprehensive policies that benefit children and families across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM