His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially declared the emirate a 'Baby and Family Friendly' city.
The announcement marks a major milestone in Sharjah’s long-term push to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for children and families.
The new designation follows years of work to implement comprehensive, family-focused policies across health, urban planning, workplaces and public services.
It builds on the 'Sharjah Child Friendly' project launched in 2011, which was expanded in 2024 to promote shared responsibility for family wellbeing across government and private sectors.
Sharjah has been a pioneer in services for mothers, children and people of determination since the 1950s.
Recent initiatives include mother- and child-friendly health facilities, family-oriented public spaces, flexible parental work policies, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and awareness programmes promoting maternal and child health.
The emirate was also an early adopter of a 12-week fully paid maternity leave and the four-day work week to support work–life balance.
Sharjah’s work has earned global recognition. It became the first UNICEF and WHO-acknowledged Child-Friendly city in 2015 and was named the first 'Child and Adolescent-Friendly Emirate' in 2018.
The emirate renewed its membership in UNICEF’s Child-Friendly Cities Initiative in 2025, further cementing its leadership in family-focused development.
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