The new centres represent a major expansion of Sharjah’s early education system, supported by an 18% increase in nursery enrolment for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Sharjah is set to introduce a new early education model through the launch of Early Childhood Centres that bring nurseries and kindergartens together within a single facility.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced the initiative and approved the government nursery enrolment plan for the 2026–2027 academic year, which records an 18% increase in admissions compared with the previous year.
During the Direct Line programme, the Ruler explained that the new centres are designed to address the challenge of providing continued education pathways for children enrolled in nurseries that do not currently offer kindergarten sections.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi said children currently enrolled in nurseries without kindergarten sections can continue their education in government schools until the new Early Childhood Centres are completed.
“I am personally following the matter, and we are working to establish kindergarten classrooms in existing nurseries as quickly as possible, God willing, as they offer particular advantages,” the Ruler said during the Direct Line programme.
Currently, 200 nursery graduates have been admitted to kindergarten sections at four centres in Al Suyoh, Al Rahmaniyah, Al Lu’lu’iyah, and Kalba.
Government nursery expansion to serve 3,004 children
The government nursery enrolment plan will be implemented in three phases, increasing the number of government nurseries in Sharjah from 40 to 47.
The first phase, beginning in August 2026, will accommodate 2,402 children. The second phase will commence in January 2027 with capacity for 332 children, followed by a third phase in April 2027 for an additional 270 children. Total enrolment, including returning students and new admissions, is expected to reach 3,004 children.
Al Mansour Fort set to become Khorfakkan landmark
Sheikh Dr Sultan also announced that Al Mansour Fort in Khorfakkan will open soon, offering visitors insight into the city’s history. He explained that the Portuguese constructed a triangular coastal fort in 1639 on the site of the original Qasimi fort of Kaid bin Adwan Al Qasimi after much of the city was destroyed during their occupation in 1622.
“We will open Al Mansour Fort soon, God willing, and it will become Khorfakkan’s foremost landmark,” he said.
Kalba lake project continues after temporary pause
Addressing the lake project at the sea entrance to Kalba, the Ruler clarified that the development has not been cancelled but temporarily paused to resolve a technical issue involving water capacity near the Sharjah Communications Technologies Authority building.
He explained that engineers recommended expanding the existing lake to handle additional water flow and protect completed infrastructure. The revised design will include a larger lake at the wadi opening, allowing water to flow directly into the sea.
Regarding the Al Soor area in Kalba, Sheikh Dr Sultan said planning is underway, with residential development limited to areas near the Corniche. Other buildings will be relocated to Al Dahiyat Suburb (Al Nakheel District).
Continued development across Sharjah
Highlighting wider development efforts across the emirate, the Ruler pointed to the Al Hosoun project in Al Madam, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at upgrading buildings and roads between Al Madam Hospital and Faya.
“Development in this country is moving at a remarkable pace. We are strengthening people’s connection with their homeland and giving them every reason to take pride in it,” Sheikh Dr Sultan said.
