Sharjah Ruler inaugurates new buildings of SCHS in Barashi

Sharjah 24

28-04-2025

Launch of the First Phase of the City
This came during the inauguration of the new buildings of SCHS by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah ,on Monday, in the Barashi area. The new buildings mark the first phase of the city, covering an area of 100,000 square metres, and embody the concept of a cohesive community within an integrated complex that offers an inclusive educational and rehabilitative environment based on the best international practices.
Commendation of Facilities and Expansion Plans
His Highness praised the structures, facilities, and the beautiful layout of the buildings, which meet the needs and requirements of the city's beneficiaries. He appreciated the rapid progress in treating cases that even leading medical institutions find challenging to handle. His Highness stressed the importance of the city's expansion and doubling its space along Emirates Road, emphasising that the expansion should not only include treatment institutions but also employee housing to facilitate proximity to the city.
Directives for Future Expansion
His Highness directed the allocation of the back area and the northern section adjacent to the city to become part of SCHS property, to be developed into buildings providing direct services for treating various cases of disability. His Highness's vision is to elevate the city to a global standard in serving and treating people with disabilities.
Rising Demand Reflects Service Quality
The Ruler of Sharjah noted the continuous increase in enrollment applications, which he confirmed reflects the high quality of services and the excellent reputation achieved through the dedicated work of Sheikha Jameela and her team, along with generous contributions from institutions and individuals. He added that the government covers the city's operational expenses.
Call for Continued Cooperation
His Highness expressed gratitude to government entities for their strong cooperation with the city and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration to complete the aesthetic vision of the new buildings by planting trees, improving the surrounding roads, and removing electrical barriers to create an ideal environment for students and visitors.
Heartfelt Thanks to Donors
His Highness praised the donation of AED 44.4 million by The Big Heart Foundation to construct the treatment centre at SCHS, which will cover 8,188 square metres with a capacity to serve 2,800 beneficiaries as part of the city's second phase of development.
Best Wishes for Continued Excellence
His Highness concluded his speech by wishing all those involved with SCHS success in providing outstanding treatment services for people with disabilities and urged them to continue excelling and working hard to ensure the city becomes a leading global centre for supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities.
Inauguration Ceremony and Facilities Overview
His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the official opening of the new buildings, which include the Sharjah Autism Centre, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, and the administrative building. The facilities will serve 3,000 individuals, including 1,287 daily service recipients and 1,159 treatment centre beneficiaries. The new buildings rely on innovative initiatives grounded in scientific research, adhere to the latest global practices, are environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and meet universal design standards to offer an inclusive and accessible environment.
Tour of New Facilities
His Highness toured the Sharjah Autism Centre, which offers specialised services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the latest practices, with a capacity of 120 students across 4,934 square metres. His Highness observed the skills and efforts of the teaching staff, interacted with the students, and witnessed practical applications of lessons in specialised classrooms such as arts, music, life skills, the gym, and the library.
His Highness then visited Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which accommodates 352 students with intellectual disabilities, offering specialised programmes and services following global best practices. He toured the school, visiting classrooms, physical therapy and occupational therapy rooms, and severe disabilities units, noting the attractive and inclusive learning environment.
Administrative Building Tour
His Highness also visited the city's new administrative building, which houses administrative offices, meeting rooms, and multipurpose halls. He posed for a commemorative photo with the city's staff. The new buildings were designed to meet the deep and noble needs of humanitarian services, while also strategically preparing for future development with a foundation in scientific research and best engineering and operational practices in education, rehabilitation, and support services.
Future Expansion Plans
His Highness received a detailed explanation of the city's future expansion plans, including the second phase, which features:
Early Intervention Centre
: Specialised services for children from birth to 5 years old.
Al Amal School and Kindergarten for the Deaf
: Educational services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment
: Vocational and independent living training for young people with disabilities.
The second phase also includes
Independent Living Units
, a unique regional project offering services for adults with disabilities who seek independent living, contributing to building an inclusive and sustainable community and supporting thousands of families and individuals.
Tribute by Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCHS, extended her deepest thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his unwavering support of the rights of persons with disabilities across scientific, academic, intellectual, economic, and social fields.
Sheikha Jameela stated, "The city's new buildings are not only an achievement for SCHS but also a milestone for the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the grace of God and the continuous support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, whose concern for individuals with disabilities has driven progress and leadership in providing cutting-edge services and raising community awareness."
Commitment to Excellence and Integrated Services
Sheikha Jameela emphasised that SCHS places great importance on strategic and phased planning to achieve the best outcomes, with education being a top priority, staying aligned with the latest global best practices.
Since its founding in 1979, SCHS has been committed to offering integrated services by expanding facilities and opening new branches, now comprising 13 specialised centres and three branches in Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The city continues to deliver modern and advanced services with a comprehensive infrastructure that ensures smooth operations and high-quality services.
Thanks to the patronage and support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, SCHS has established a pioneering reputation locally, regionally, and internationally, achieving its vision of being a leading institution in advocating for and empowering individuals with disabilities in the UAE, the Arab world, and globally.
Attendance of the Inauguration
Accompanying His Highness on the tour were Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International, several senior officials, heads of government departments and authorities, and SCHS staff members.