Daijiworld Media Network – Sharjah
Sharjah, Feb 14: In a powerful display of responsive governance, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi personally intervened in multiple public cases during the popular “Direct Line” radio programme, converting live complaints into immediate government action.
One of the most striking cases involved a government employee, Amal Al-Junaibi, who revealed that her full leave balance had been deducted and her salary withheld for months after she took time off to care for her husband, a person of determination recovering from surgeries.
The Sharjah Ruler stated that such action contradicted established human resources regulations. He directed the Head of the Human Resources Department to urgently rectify the matter and restore her entitlements, while also calling for a faster humanitarian review mechanism for similar cases. The intervention underscored the emirate’s approach of balancing regulation with compassion, particularly when employees face exceptional family circumstances.
In another emotionally charged appeal, a mother sought urgent assistance after her daughter’s scholarship in Sydney was suspended, leaving the family unable to pay nearly Dh300,000 in annual tuition fees.
Responding immediately, the Ruler instructed the concerned authorities to cover the educational costs, ensuring the student could continue her studies without disruption. The swift approval reaffirmed Sharjah’s emphasis on education as a cornerstone of long-term development.
Infrastructure issues were also taken up live during the programme. A resident from Kalba reported sewage problems arising from nearby construction activity.
The Ruler confirmed that the matter formed part of a broader development framework and announced that affected families would be relocated to a new residential complex in the University District opposite Khor Kalba within six months, with the possibility of earlier completion.
The announcement reflects ongoing development initiatives across Sharjah’s eastern region aimed at enhancing living standards, public services and urban infrastructure.
Beyond individual interventions, broader welfare reforms continue to strengthen Sharjah’s social safety net. Earlier directives had increased monthly social assistance to Dh17,500, benefiting more than 4,200 cases including elderly citizens, widows, divorced women and low-income families.
Officials noted that this structured welfare support, combined with direct intervention through public platforms, demonstrates a governance model that is both policy-driven and personally engaged.
Over the years, the “Direct Line” programme has evolved into more than a grievance redressal forum. It has become a direct channel of governance where citizens speak and decisions are announced transparently, often within minutes.
In a global context where bureaucratic delays are commonplace, Sharjah’s approach continues to stand out for its immediacy, accountability and human touch.