Part-Time Jobs in the UAE: Sharjah's New Scheme, Pension Cover for Emiratis and the Rules for Expats
Sharjah has launched part-time government work for retirees and senior citizens, and Emiratis working part-time now get pension cover. Here is what changed, and how expats can work part-time legally.
UAEIn brief
- Sharjah's Ruler approved a scheme on 7 September 2026 for senior citizens, their spouses and retirees to work part-time in Sharjah's public sector.
- Emiratis working part-time in the public or private sector, 8 to 32 hours a week, are now covered by the UAE pension system (GPSSA).
- Expats can work part-time legally with a MoHRE part-time work permit, including for more than one employer.
- Across all jobs combined, working hours cannot go above 48 a week.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sharjah Government / GPSSA / MoHRE |
| Official source | The National – Sharjah Ruler launches part-time work scheme; GPSSA part-time pension rules ✓ thenationalnews.com |
Part-time work is growing in the UAE. In the last two months, Sharjah has opened part-time government jobs to retirees and senior citizens, and the federal pension authority has started covering Emiratis who work part-time. Here is what is new, who it applies to, and what the rules mean for expat workers looking for part-time jobs.
1. Sharjah's part-time scheme for retirees and seniors
On 7 September 2026, the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, approved a plan that lets these groups take part-time jobs in Sharjah's public sector:
- senior citizens
- their spouses
- retired people
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Work pattern | Flexible, such as three days a week or set hours only |
| Type of work | Light roles, such as checking visitor tickets at Sharjah's museums |
| Aim | Better quality of life, keeping seniors active, and family financial stability |
| Pay, start date, how to apply | Not yet announced |
According to reports, the Ruler said some people could work as little as one or two hours a day, depending on what they can manage. A large number of retirees were reported to be interested after the announcement.
The same directive told Sharjah's HR department to speed up hiring 1,200 Emiratis, towards a target of 3,000 UAE citizens in the emirate's public sector.
2. Pension cover for Emiratis working part-time
On 21 August 2026, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) announced that Emiratis working part-time in the public or private sector are covered by the UAE pension system.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Who counts as part-time | 8 to 32 hours a week, or 1 to 4 days a week (20% to 80% of full time) |
| Employer duty | Register eligible part-time Emirati staff with the GPSSA, and update the Maashi platform if someone moves from full-time to part-time |
| How workers join | Ask your HR department to register you |
| Benefits | Pension or end-of-service gratuity, disability pension and survivors' pension, worked out in proportion to hours |
This makes part-time work a safer choice for Emiratis who want to study, care for family or ease into retirement.
3. Part-time work for expats: the rules
Part-time contracts have been allowed for everyone, nationals and residents, since the UAE's new labour law took effect in February 2022. For expats, the key points are:
- You need a part-time work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It allows fewer hours and work for more than one employer, and is valid for 2 years.
- Total hours are capped. Even with several jobs, you cannot work more than 48 hours a week in total.
- Your contract sets your hours. On a part-time permit, you cannot be made to work more hours than your contract says unless you agree in writing.
- Visit visas don't count. You cannot take any job, full-time or part-time, on a visit visa.
- Tutoring has its own permit. Private lessons need MoHRE's free private tutoring work permit.
Read more: UAE work permit types explained and UAE working hours and overtime rules.
What this means for job seekers
- Emirati retirees in Sharjah: watch for official Sharjah Government announcements on how to apply, since the application process has not been published yet.
- Emiratis in any sector: if you work part-time, check with HR that you are registered with the GPSSA.
- Expats: part-time work is legal, but only through a proper MoHRE permit. Be careful with "part-time job" adverts on social media that ask for fees. See: Warning signs of a fake UAE job offer.
We will update this article when Sharjah publishes the pay and application details for its scheme.
Frequently asked questions
Has the UAE started a part-time job programme?
Sharjah approved a part-time work scheme in September 2026 for senior citizens, their spouses and retirees in its public sector. Separately, the GPSSA now gives pension cover to Emiratis working part-time. Part-time work in general has been allowed under UAE law since 2022.
Can expats work part-time in the UAE?
Yes, with a MoHRE part-time work permit, which allows fewer hours and work for more than one employer. You cannot take a part-time job on a visit visa.
How many hours can a part-time worker do in the UAE?
Your contract sets your hours, but total working hours across all jobs cannot exceed 48 a week.
Do Emiratis working part-time get a pension?
Yes. Under GPSSA rules announced in August 2026, Emiratis working 8 to 32 hours a week, or 1 to 4 days a week, in the public or private sector must be registered, and benefits are calculated in proportion to the hours worked.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
