New International Recognition for Sharjah as a Child-Friendly City WHO Publishes Study Highlighting Sharjah’s Experience in Developing Healthy, Safe, and Child-Friendly Public Spaces Sharjah, September 2026 The Emirate of Sharjah has achieved another international milestone with the publication of a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) titled "Towards Healthy and Child-Friendly Public Spaces in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates." The study is the result of international collaboration in 2026 between the Sharjah Health Authority, represented by the Sharjah Child Friendly Office, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the World Health Organization. It presents Sharjah as a model for city-level action in child-friendly urban planning, public space development, urban health, safety, climate responsiveness, and access to green and open spaces. The study reflects the Emirate's efforts in child-friendly urban planning between 2017 and 2023. The study highlights Sharjah's approach to engaging children and young people in urban planning and developing public spaces that respond to their needs. These include providing safe play areas, green and open spaces, and solutions that support adaptation to heat and climate conditions, while promoting physical activity, social interaction, and children's well-being. H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Mheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, stated: "The documentation of Sharjah's experience in a study published by the World Health Organization represents an important milestone in the Emirate's journey towards creating an urban environment that places children's health and well-being at the heart of development. This achievement has been made possible through the planning, guidance, and continued support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, may Allah protect them. We regard this study as international recognition of the importance of Sharjah's approach, which connects health, quality of life, and urban planning. It reinforces the principle that designing cities to respond to children's needs contributes to building healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities. We hope this experience will enrich the global dialogue on child-friendly cities and serve as an inspiration for similar initiatives around the world." The WHO study also documents that Sharjah has become the first city globally to introduce child-friendly urban planning guidelines issued through a resolution of the Executive Council. This reflects the transition of child-friendly planning principles from individual initiatives into an officially adopted planning framework across the Emirate. The publication represents a significant milestone for Sharjah as a Healthy City and Child-Friendly Emirate, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to global knowledge on urban health, public spaces, climate responsiveness, and children's well-being.
