Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has raised the minimum wage for citizens in the emirate to Dh25,000 from Dh17,500.
The 43 per cent increase follows a Sharjah government study that assessed the living standards of citizens.
"We raised salaries to Dh25,000 after conducting studies with the Department of Social Services," Sheikh Dr Sultan said on Sharjah Media Office's Twitter account.
"I was watching all the expenditure details of individuals and families to know which salary would grant them a decent life.
"If life expenses increase, we will conduct a new study. If the situation becomes detrimental to people with low income, I will not leave them.”
He said the government had established a committee to assess and assist Emiratis looking for employment.
"There are more than 12,000 jobseekers in Sharjah," Sheikh Dr Sultan said. "We will not close the door to any jobseeker, even those who do not meet the terms of employment.
"We have ordered the formation of a committee called the Employment Processing Committee, which will work under my supervision.
"It will consist of statistics, social services and human resources departments in the government of Sharjah.
"Its mission is to study the employment applications and find solutions to address the problems of everyone who faces an employment difficulty."
In December, Sharjah approved a Dh33.6 billion budget for 2021 – a 12 per cent increase on last year – to fund measures to support economic and social development.
Last year, the emirate introduced Dh1bn of economic stimulus in response to the challenges caused by Covid-19.
The package included waiving, reducing or cancelling some government fees and charges.
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