Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has built a regional and international reputation as a model for elderly-friendly urban living — one that prioritises dignity, access, and active participation for seniors at every stage of life.
Sharjah Joins the WHO Age-Friendly Network
On 13 September 2016, Sharjah became the first Arab city admitted to the World Health Organisation's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. The milestone reflected the emirate's long-standing commitment to sustainable, inclusive care — not just for today's elderly residents, but for future generations as well.
The designation is awarded to cities that meet the WHO's eight principal domains of age-friendliness, covering outdoor spaces and buildings, transport, housing, civic participation and employment, respect and social inclusion, community support, and health services.
Infrastructure and Initiatives
To make Sharjah genuinely liveable for its elderly population, authorities have undertaken sustained improvements across the built environment. Accessible public transport has been modified to ease travel for seniors, while walkways and sidewalks have been upgraded for safety and ease of use.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the emirate has invested in digital inclusion — running training programmes that help senior citizens use smart devices and access the internet, ensuring they are not left behind in a rapidly digitalising society.
Broader goals include improving outdoor and building accessibility, expanding suitable housing options, integrating elderly residents into civic life and the workforce, and strengthening their access to communication and information.
A Global Role Model for Elderly Care
Sharjah's integrated approach has earned it recognition as an exemplary model internationally. The emirate goes beyond upgrading facilities: it works to enrich society by keeping seniors active, engaged, and central to community life. This includes improved health infrastructure and safer, more inclusive public spaces.
Psychological and social wellbeing receive equal attention alongside physical health. Community care centres serve as hubs for social interaction, while cultural activities and recreational programmes give elderly residents meaningful ways to stay connected and contribute.
Healthcare Beyond Borders
Healthcare in Sharjah is built on a holistic, preventive model. State-of-the-art facilities are complemented by mobile clinics that provide early screening for chronic diseases and home nursing services for those who need care in place.
Residents over the age of 60 benefit from special privileges and concessions through the emirate's collaborations with private-sector partners — reducing the practical and financial burdens that can accompany ageing.
Intergenerational Connection
Sharjah actively fosters social cohesion across generations. Respect for elders and intergenerational communication are treated as civic values, not just aspirations. Entertainment programming and public awareness campaigns help shift broader societal attitudes toward the elderly — reinforcing their role as valued, active members of the community.
Through its integrated and continuously evolving initiatives, Sharjah is building toward its vision of a city where every elderly resident is respected, supported, and empowered to live fully.
