Sharjah Ruler: Government housing offers stability to families

Sharjah24: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, reaffirmed his and the Sharjah Government's commitment to ensuring stability, peace of mind, and protection for wives and their children at home, particularly from abuse by the husband if he is tempted to act unjustly.

His Highness added that the laws and conditions associated with getting government housing ensure this stability, and the government seizes the house from any husband who violates these restrictions. He also stressed the importance of promoting compassion and unity in society, noting that "faith" is the Emirate of Sharjah's guiding concept.

His Highness stated in a phone conversation on Sharjah Radio and TV's Direct Line programme, which was hosted by Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, the Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority:

"The issue of a husband overpowering his wife and children at home causes numerous problems, and we suffer as a result. The situation has escalated to such an extent that I have been forced to make tough choices. Upon handing over a residence, the recipient signs documents that outline the terms of delivery. Among these is a condition stating that if the recipient breaks social life principles, the residence will be reclaimed. Similarly, we will reclaim the residence if the homeowner engages in illegal behaviour or manipulates others. So, what can you expect if the man assaults his wife and children? Of course, he will lose his home.

Sharjah Ruler continued:

"This is the law, and the recipient must read and sign these terms before the handover. The government does not provide this residence randomly; it is subject to specific conditions. If the man is unjust, the government can take the house and protect the wife and kids. We therefore establish standards that forbid anyone from mistreating his spouse or kids. We appointed her a partner in the household, so he cannot deport her. The Arabic word 'sakan' (dwelling) signifies stability, and the Arabic 'sakinah' is tranquillity, whose essence is the woman."

By command of His Highness, Sharjah Police return a woman and her children to their home.

His Highness stated, "We previously dealt with a case in which a woman and her children were expelled from their home by her husband, who then divorced her and took over the house." I issued an order to return the woman and her children to their home. Sharjah Police carried out the order, and the man's house was reclaimed based on the conditions he signed when he received the property, which he violated by assaulting his wife and children. Under police supervision, the man removed his personal belongings from the residence, allowing the woman and her children to return. The man moved to another home because we worried about his wife and kids' safety. He was also taking medication that produced mental imbalance, and I continued to monitor his case to guarantee his condition improved."