Ruler of Sharjah Issues 3 Decrees to Enhance Family and Community Cohesion and Child Protection

Sharjah, 7 August 2025

In a significant move to strengthen family and community cohesion in the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued three Amiri decrees establishing and regulating three key entities focused on advancing family well-being, social development, and child protection.

The decrees provide for the establishment of the following entities:

• Sharjah Family and Community Council.
• Sharjah Family Development Foundation.
• Child Safety Foundation.

These institutions will operate within a unified governance framework that enhances coordination and synergy across all family, community, and child-related initiatives.

All three entities are chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. Each enjoys legal personality and financial and administrative independence, under the umbrella of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, which replaces the former Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The new council assumes all its powers, obligations, and assets.

Sharjah Family and Community Council

The council plays a leading role in shaping public policy and strategic planning related to family, women, children, culture, sports, and media. Its mission is to reinforce family and community cohesion while strengthening national identity.

It also oversees various affiliated entities including:

• NAMA Women Advancement Establishment.
• Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation.
• Sharjah Business Women Council.
• The Big Heart Foundation.

Sharjah Family Development Foundation

This foundation is dedicated to empowering families and ensuring their stability through sustainable development programs, training, and awareness campaigns. It also contributes to policy-making and legislative proposals in coordination with relevant authorities to improve family quality of life.

Child Safety Foundation

The foundation aims to position Sharjah as a regional leader in child protection by enhancing societal awareness and providing integrated legal, psychological, and social support to children affected by violence—mainly through its dedicated center, Kanef – The Child Home. It also builds strategic partnerships at the local and international levels.

Unified Vision for Family and Community Cohesion

Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the three institutions work under a shared vision to foster family and community cohesion through integrated efforts. The strategy ensures empowered families and safeguarded children within a supportive social structure—guided by the principle:

“Aware Families, Connected Communities“.