His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated new buildings at the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), marking a significant milestone as the city approaches its 50th anniversary. During the event, Sheikh Sultan praised the efforts of Sheikha Jameela Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCHS, for her dedication to founding and leading the city, especially after her studies and specialization in the field in the United States.
The newly opened facilities, located in the Barashi area, span 100,000 square meters and form part of the first phase of SCHS’s expansion. The design focuses on creating an integrated, inclusive community that provides specialized educational and rehabilitative services for individuals with disabilities. Sheikh Sultan commended the facilities’ thoughtful layout and modern infrastructure, which aims to meet the diverse needs of the city’s beneficiaries.
He highlighted the rapid progress in addressing complex medical and therapeutic cases and stressed the importance of expanding the city’s space, particularly along Emirates Road. This expansion, he noted, should include both treatment facilities and housing for employees, ensuring that the staff has easy access to the campus. 
Sheikh Sultan also directed that the area adjacent to the city be developed into buildings that would provide direct services for treating various disabilities, aiming to elevate the city’s standards to global levels. He expressed confidence in the city’s future, citing the high demand for services and reflecting on the ongoing success of Sheikha Jameela and her team in making the city a leader in disability services.
During his tour of the new facilities, Sheikh Sultan visited the Sharjah Autism Centre, which offers specialized services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He observed practical teaching sessions, including arts, music, and life skills, and interacted with both staff and students. The centre, with a capacity for 120 students, adheres to the latest global practices and provides a safe and inclusive environment for learning.
Sheikh Sultan also visited Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which accommodates 352 students with intellectual disabilities. The school offers specialized programs and services, including therapy rooms, and provides an inclusive learning environment for its students. He was impressed by the comprehensive support the school offers, fostering an atmosphere where all students can thrive.
Additionally, Sheikh Sultan toured the city’s new administrative building, which houses essential offices and meeting spaces. He expressed his appreciation for the city’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art environment that is both functional and supportive of the individuals it serves.
The second phase of SCHS’s expansion will introduce additional services, such as the Early Intervention Centre, which will support children from birth to five years old, and the Al Amal School for the Deaf, designed to offer educational services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The expansion also includes the Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment, providing vocational training and independent living skills for young people with disabilities, as well as Independent Living Units, a unique regional project aimed at helping adults with disabilities live independently.
Sheikha Jameela expressed her deep gratitude to Sheikh Sultan for his unwavering support of people with disabilities. She emphasized that the new buildings mark an achievement for SCHS and serve as a milestone for Sharjah and the UAE as a whole. She also highlighted the city’s dedication to adhering to the best global practices in education and rehabilitation, ensuring the highest quality of services for individuals with disabilities.
Since its inception in 1979, SCHS has expanded significantly, now comprising 13 specialized centers and branches in Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The city continues to lead in providing comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities, setting the standard for excellence in the UAE, the Arab world, and beyond.
