Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. ARCHIVE

Sharjah has been officially declared a “Baby and Family Friendly” emirate following a landmark announcement by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The designation marks a new phase in Sharjah’s long-standing efforts to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and families across all sectors of society. The recognition is the culmination of years of work under the Sharjah Baby and Family Friendly accreditation, which is built on the foundations of the “Sharjah Child Friendly” initiative launched in 2011 and expanded in 2024. The programme promotes shared responsibility across public and private sectors to enhance the wellbeing of families. Sharjah has played a pioneering role in child and maternal services in the UAE since the 1950s and was the first emirate to establish institutional support for mothers, children, and people of determination. Its initiatives include mother- and child-friendly health facilities, family-centric urban planning, public spaces that support breastfeeding, and flexible parental work policies that encourage work-life balance. In recent years, Sharjah has continued to expand its support system by extending maternity leave to 12 weeks, introducing the four-day work week to strengthen family time, and launching community programmes focused on maternal and child health. Public awareness campaigns, family-friendly workplaces, and inclusive urban design have helped embed a culture of child safety and wellbeing across the emirate. Sharjah’s achievements have also gained global recognition. In 2015, it became the first city recognised by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation as Child-Friendly. In 2018, it became the first “Child and Adolescent-Friendly Emirate,” and in November 2025, it renewed its membership in UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. The emirate continues to expand its family-focused framework through integrated policies that aim to set global benchmarks for child welfare and community development. ICA/Expat Media
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