Sharjah Ruler orders free education for Sudanese students, mandates fee refunds

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) to cease collecting fees from Sudanese pupils at Sudan Private School and to refund all nominal fees previously collected from parents.

The Ruler established the school for members of Sharjah's Sudanese community unable to afford enrollment elsewhere, with the intention that it operate entirely free of charge. He clarified that while SPEA had imposed fees described as "nominal," such charges represent a hardship for families in need.

In his comments during a phone-in programme, the Ruler stated: "We've instructed the Authority not to take any fees at all, large or small, from these pupils." He emphasized direct oversight of school operations, including teacher performance and student welfare standards.

Separately, the Ruler announced the launch of the "Tumouh" (Aspiration) programme, a postgraduate diploma initiative for Sharjah government employees. The first cohort includes 60 staff members pursuing qualifications that will enable progression to a master's degree at the University of Exeter in the UK.