From restoring salaries to approving Dh300,000 aid, Sharjah’s Direct Line once again turns live public calls into swift action / image: @shiekhdrsultan

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, transforming 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 clearly that such action contradicted established human resources regulations. He directed the Head of the Human Resources Department to urgently correct the matter and restore her entitlements, while also calling for a faster humanitarian review mechanism for similar cases.The intervention highlighted how Sharjah’s leadership continues to blend regulation with compassion, especially when employees face exceptional family circumstances.

Sharjah ruler’s immediate action

In another emotionally charged call, a mother urgently sought help after her daughter’s scholarship in Sydney was suspended, leaving the family unable to pay nearly Dh300,000 in annual tuition fees. The Ruler immediately instructed authorities to cover the costs, ensuring the student could continue her education without disruption.The swift approval underscores Sharjah’s continued emphasis on education as a pillar of development, even when financial or administrative setbacks threaten a student’s future.

Infrastructure plan announced

Infrastructure concerns were also addressed live. A resident from Kalba reported sewage problems caused by nearby construction. The Ruler confirmed that the issue falls within a broader development framework and announced that affected families would relocate 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 projects across Sharjah’s eastern region, aimed at improving living standards, community services and urban infrastructure.

Dh17,500 monthly support

Beyond individual cases, broader welfare measures continue to shape Sharjah’s social safety net. Earlier directives increased monthly social assistance to Dh17,500, benefiting more than 4,200 cases including elderly citizens, widows, divorced women and low-income families.This structured support, combined with direct intervention through public platforms, reflects a governance model that is both policy-driven and personally engaged.

Broader context

The “Direct Line” programme has evolved into more than a complaint forum; it has become a direct governance channel where citizens speak and solutions follow. Whether restoring employment rights, approving six-figure educational aid, relocating families or strengthening welfare frameworks, decisions are announced transparently and implemented swiftly.In an era where bureaucratic delays are common globally, Sharjah’s model stands out for its immediacy and human touch, turning public grievances into measurable outcomes within minutes of being heard.