The Sharjah Executive Council approved the creation of 150 new positions at Sharjah International Airport under the Khatwa licence initiative, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency. The decision focuses on integrating UAE nationals into key operational and technical roles at the facility. Implementation will involve coordinated licensing procedures to ensure compliance with aviation standards. The council’s directive forms part of sustained measures to expand citizen participation in the emirate’s transport infrastructure.
Emirates News Agency figures show that the initiative targets licensed employment across ground handling, passenger services and support functions at the airport. The Khatwa programme provides structured pathways for nationals to obtain necessary certifications before assuming their duties. Airport authorities will oversee recruitment in line with the council’s approval to match skills with current operational demands. This allocation adds to ongoing recruitment that has increased national representation in the sector over recent years.
The Sharjah Human Resources Department reported hiring 3,145 job seekers across government entities in 2025 with an additional 1,807 promotions approved at a cost approaching 30 million dirhams. Those outcomes reflect a broader employment strategy that includes the airport positions approved under the Khatwa licence initiative. The department’s data indicates similar plans continued into 2026 with thousands of new roles created for citizens in various fields. Such statistics place the 150 airport jobs within a larger framework of workforce development across the emirate.
Sharjah International Airport received more than 19.4 million passengers in 2025, marking a 13.9 percent increase from the previous year, according to the airport authority’s statistics. The facility also handled 116,657 flights and 204,323 tonnes of cargo during the same period as it expanded its network to more than 100 destinations. These growth metrics have heightened the need for additional licensed personnel addressed by the council’s recent approval. The airport maintains its position as the third-busiest in the UAE behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi hubs.
Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, member of the Sharjah Executive Council and chairman of the Human Resources Department, outlined parallel initiatives during radio briefings that emphasise training and direct appointments for graduates. The Khatwa licence programme aligns with those priorities by preparing nationals for specialised aviation roles through targeted qualification tracks. Al Zaabi noted that such measures support balanced development across all regions of the emirate. The approach includes monthly allowances for trainees and scholarships to build long-term capacity in technical sectors.
The Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah signed agreements in 2026 to delegate licensing authority for security screeners and enhance training standards in cooperation with federal bodies, a department statement said. These partnerships reinforce the framework under which the 150 new positions will operate following the council’s approval. The initiatives aim to elevate operational readiness while meeting international safety requirements at the airport. Officials continue to monitor integration outcomes to refine future recruitment under the Khatwa programme.
