Sharjah Ruler Issues Administrative Decree on Charitable Foundation's Board Composition

Sharjah Ruler Appoints New Board to Strengthen Emirate's Charitable Sector

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an administrative decree establishing a new board of directors for the Sharjah Charity Association, signaling continued institutional development in the emirate's philanthropic landscape. The move reflects broader efforts across the UAE to professionalize charitable organizations and enhance their governance structures.

Leadership Structure and Composition

The newly formed board will be chaired by Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad bin Khalid Al Qasimi, with membership including prominent figures from academia and business sectors. The board comprises Dr. Yaqoub Ali Said Khalaf Al Naqbi, Dr. Said Musbah Al Kaabi, Said Ghanem Matar Al Suwaidi, and Muhammad Rashid Bayat.

According to the decree, the board will distribute administrative positions among its members during their first meeting and will elect a vice-chairman either through consensus or direct secret ballot—a process that emphasizes democratic governance within the charitable framework.

Governance Framework and Continuity

Four-Year Terms with Renewal Options

Board members will serve four-year terms, renewable for similar periods, starting from the decree's issuance date. This structure provides stability while allowing for periodic renewal and fresh perspectives—a balance increasingly favored by modern non-profit governance standards.

Operational Continuity Measures

The decree includes provisions ensuring seamless operations during transitions. The current board will continue managing affairs after their term expires until a new board is formed or the existing one is renewed, preventing any disruption to charitable activities.

Strategic Implications for UAE's Charitable Sector

This appointment comes amid the UAE's broader push to enhance transparency and effectiveness in its charitable sector. Similar to initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah's move reflects a systematic approach to modernizing philanthropic institutions across the Emirates.

The inclusion of academic and business leaders suggests a strategic emphasis on bringing diverse expertise to charitable governance—a trend seen globally as non-profits seek to maximize impact through professional management approaches.

Regional Context and Significance

Sharjah's charitable sector plays a crucial role in the emirate's social development strategy, particularly given its focus on education, culture, and community welfare. The new board structure aligns with international best practices in non-profit governance, potentially enhancing the association's ability to attract partnerships and funding from both regional and international sources.

This development also reflects the UAE's growing emphasis on soft power projection through well-managed charitable initiatives, positioning the country as a regional hub for philanthropic excellence alongside its economic and cultural achievements.