His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially declared the Emirate of Sharjah a Child- and Family-Friendly Emirate—an achievement that marks a significant milestone in its ongoing journey toward fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for children and families. This declaration represents the culmination of sustained efforts undertaken by the Emirate of Sharjah to implement comprehensive, family-centred policies across various sectors, in line with the standards of the *Sharjah Child- and Family-Friendly Accreditation*. It further reinforces Sharjah’s position as a leading model in child and family welfare at the regional level. The *Sharjah Child- and Family-Friendly Standards* build upon the sustainability of the *Sharjah Child-Friendly Initiative*, a pioneering project launched in 2011. In 2024, the initiative was further developed into the *Sharjah Child- and Family-Friendly Accreditation*, with the aim of promoting a culture of shared responsibility for family well-being across both the public and private sectors. The Emirate of Sharjah has been a pioneer in providing maternal and child-focused services in the United Arab Emirates since the 1950s, being the first emirate to establish dedicated services for mothers, children, and persons with disabilities. Sharjah’s long-term investment is reflected in its continued efforts to create a family-friendly and supportive environment through a wide range of initiatives implemented and developed over the years. Notable examples include the provision of mother- and child-friendly healthcare facilities across the emirate; family-friendly urban planning and public spaces; the establishment of flexible and parent-supportive workplace policies; the creation of work environments, nurseries, and public spaces that support breastfeeding; and the launch of awareness campaigns and community programmes that promote maternal and child health. In addition, the Emirate of Sharjah has extended paid maternity leave to 12 weeks and introduced further family-supportive benefits. It has also launched a four-day workweek system, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing work–life balance and supporting family stability.
