The initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, stand as a living testament to wise leadership that places human dignity and well-being at the heart of its priorities. In a humanitarian gesture reflecting his commitment to fostering respect and appreciation for all members of society, Sheikh Sultan launched an initiative to reclassify certain job titles such as "guard," "janitor," and "driver" to the more dignified title of "employee." This step seeks to elevate the status of these individuals within society, sparing them from any feelings of shame or degradation, especially in the presence of their children and families.
This remarkable and compassionate initiative is not merely a symbolic change but a reflection of Sheikh Sultan's philosophy that emphasizes the enhancement of human dignity and the consideration of individuals' social and psychological well-being, regardless of their job roles. It contributes to the creation of a cohesive society where everyone is equal in value and respect.
In another noteworthy development, Sharjah witnessed a transformative initiative aimed at raising the minimum pension salary to 1,750 Bahraini dinars (approximately 17,500 UAE dirhams). This generous move reflects His Highness’s deep concern for providing retirees with a dignified life and ensuring their financial stability after years of serving their country across various sectors. This increase comes at a time when many retirees globally are facing economic pressures, positioning Sharjah as a model in social welfare. From a personal perspective, this age group is in desperate need of care due to their financial, social, and health circumstances, as they are often unable to bear the burdens of daily life due to modest pensions.
The initiatives of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi extend beyond these aspects, encompassing fields such as education, culture, healthcare, and the environment, making the Emirate of Sharjah a role model for comprehensive and sustainable development. These decisions are not merely administrative actions; they carry clear messages in favour of prioritizing the human element and assume the responsibility of building society.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that many other successful experiences and stories exist across the Gulf countries regarding retirees. The experience of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi is but one exemplary model of numerous successful initiatives that can be replicated to achieve the best results in serving citizens.
Source: Al Bilad Newspaper – Zuhair Towfiqui