Sharjah unveils major employment plan for 2026, with 2,000 government jobs / image: file
In a move that has sparked excitement across the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has officially approved the hiring of 1,000 Emirati men and women into government positions. This isn’t just a small hiring spree; it brings the total number of job opportunities announced under the Sharjah 2026 budget to a staggering 2,000 positions.Specifically designed to accommodate newly graduated degree holders, this initiative spans all cities and regions of the emirate. The message from the leadership is clear: no graduate will be left behind. By focusing on the youth, Sharjah is ensuring that its next generation of professionals has a direct path into the workforce, supporting the wider national goal of a stable and prosperous community.
Sharjah’s 2026 jobs surge: What’s happening?
If you are a job seeker, you won’t have to wait long. The Sharjah Department of Human Resources has been directed to begin organizing job interviews starting next week. But the support doesn’t stop at the interview stage.Starting in early February 2026, a dedicated “Practical Training Programme” will launch for graduates in specialized technical and professional fields. This is a “fast-track” to employment where participants are trained and then appointed directly to government entities.
- Key Specializations: Civil and Architectural Engineering, Accounting, Information Technology, and Programming.
- Paid Preparation: Participants in the qualifying program will receive a monthly allowance of AED 6,000 while they train.
- Coordination: The program is a joint effort between the Department of Human Resources and major bodies like the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), the Department of Public Works, and local municipalities.
Scholarships and budget
Beyond the immediate job openings, the Ruler of Sharjah has also approved 393 new scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships are open to Emirati students and the children of Emirati women, covering prestigious institutions like the American University of Sharjah and the universities in Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Al Dhaid.Financially, this human capital push is backed by a serious commitment. A total of AED 60 million has been allocated just for the 2026 training and qualification plan, which aims to benefit 1,200 Emiratis in total. This forms a core part of Sharjah’s AED 44.5 billion general budget for 2026, where social and economic development are the top priorities.
Where to check for official vacancies?
To ensure you don’t miss the interview calls or application windows, job seekers should monitor the following official platforms:
- Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR) Website: This is the primary portal for registration and tracking your status. Visit dhr.gov.ae.
- “Direct Line” (Al Khat Al Mubasher): Many of these major announcements are made live on Sharjah Radio and TV.
- Social Media: Follow @SharjahHR on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for real-time updates on interview dates and locations for each city.
Opportunities for expats
While the 1,000-job announcement specifically targets Emiratisation goals, Sharjah’s AED 44.5 billion budget for 2026 creates massive “indirect” opportunities for the expat community. With 35% of the budget dedicated to infrastructure, private engineering and construction firms will be hiring heavily to manage government-funded projects.Under new 2026 regulations, private companies with 20+ employees must meet specific hiring targets, which often leads to a surge in HR and administrative roles to manage growing teams. Expats remain in high demand for technical roles in Sharjah’s free zones (like SAIF Zone and SHAMS) and within healthcare networks like NMC and Zulekha, which are expanding to meet the needs of a growing population.For families in Sharjah, this is a promise of security. By providing 1,000 immediate roles and a clear training pipeline, the government is tackling job-seeking stress head-on. This initiative ensures that families remain stable and the government is refreshed with new, highly-qualified talent. Go to Source
