The Announcement Ushering in a New Era for Emiratisation
The United Arab Emirates has made a bold commitment to its national workforce by extending the Nafis Emiratisation Programme until 2040. Announced on April 6, 2026, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this extension builds on the programme's remarkable success and introduces transformative enhancements. These changes, effective from September 2026 for new beneficiaries with a phased transition for existing ones, prioritize family stability, high-value employment, and sustainable private sector integration for Emiratis.
Nafis, which stands for the National Programme for Supporting Emirati Talent in the Private Sector, was originally launched in 2021 as part of the UAE's Projects of the 50. With an initial five-year budget of AED 24 billion, it aimed to place tens of thousands of Emiratis into private sector roles. The extension signals a long-term vision aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071, focusing on economic diversification, talent empowerment, and family-centric policies, especially in light of the Year of Family 2026.
Understanding the Nafis Programme: Origins and Core Objectives
Emiratisation refers to the strategic policy of increasing the participation of UAE nationals in the workforce, particularly in the private sector, which has historically been dominated by expatriates. Nafis addresses this by providing financial incentives, training, and support to make private sector jobs attractive to Emiratis, who often prefer the stability and benefits of public sector positions.
The programme operates through several pillars: salary top-ups to bridge wage gaps, child allowances to support families, pension contributions, unemployment benefits, and training initiatives like Kafa'at for fresh graduates and Khebra for experienced hires. It mandates companies with 50 or more employees to achieve annual 2% increases in skilled Emirati hires, backed by incentives and penalties for non-compliance.
By fostering public-private partnerships, Nafis not only boosts employment but also enhances skills in priority sectors such as banking, insurance, real estate, technology, and healthcare, contributing to the UAE's knowledge-based economy.
Impressive Achievements Marking Nafis' Legacy So Far
Since its inception, Nafis has exceeded expectations. As of March 2026, it has facilitated the employment of over 176,000 Emiratis in the private sector, surpassing the initial target of 170,000. Currently, 152,000 remain active beneficiaries across 32,000 establishments nationwide. Notably, Emirati women comprise 74% of participants, reflecting strong gender inclusivity.
Other milestones include supporting over 38,000 children via the Child Allowance Scheme, aiding 7,700 through training and readiness programmes, and benefiting 3,500 via the National Healthcare Talent Programme. Emiratisation rates have surged, with sectors like banking and insurance leading at over 10-15% in many firms, and real estate seeing rapid growth.
These figures underscore Nafis' role in transforming the labour market, with private sector Emirati employment rising from around 29,000 pre-launch to current highs—a 500%+ increase in some metrics.
New Salary Support Tiers: A Structured Approach to Competitiveness
The updated salary support scheme standardizes incentives based on education and family status, with a uniform minimum salary threshold of AED 6,000 monthly for eligibility. This ensures Emiratis receive competitive pay while encouraging employers to offer sustainable wages.
- Bachelor's degree holders: Up to AED 6,000 monthly top-up.
- Diploma holders: Up to AED 5,000.
- High school graduates: Up to AED 4,000.
- Below high school (married or with dependents): AED 4,000; single: AED 3,000.
For Emiratis in free zones earning below AED 6,000, phased support helps during transitions. Existing beneficiaries will see gradual adjustments, reducing top-ups by AED 500 every six months over up to three years. This tiered system promotes meritocracy and skill development. For detailed terms, visit the Nafis official salary support page.
Revolutionary Family Benefits: Unlimited Child Allowance and Beyond
Family support takes center stage with the removal of the child allowance cap—previously limited to four children—now extending unlimited coverage at AED 600 per child for eligible families. This aligns with UAE's emphasis on family as society's foundation.
Groundbreaking additions include:
- Up to AED 3,000 monthly for children of Emirati mothers in private sector roles (mother's salary AED 6,000-20,000, bachelor's degree required).
- Up to AED 3,000 for wives of Emirati men in private sector (salary AED 6,000-15,000, bachelor's, two children or five years marriage; exceptions for healthcare, education, top PhDs).
These measures empower women, reduce financial burdens, and encourage dual-income households, fostering greater family stability.
Eligibility, Application Process, and Pension Continuity
To qualify, Emiratis must be registered on Nafis, employed in private sector/free zones/banking with salaries meeting the AED 6,000 threshold, and hold relevant qualifications. Applications involve employer nomination via the Nafis portal, document submission (ID, contract, education certificates), and approval within weeks.
Pension coverage persists under the 'Subscription' scheme, with Nafis funding employee shares initially; from September 2026, employers assume full responsibility, ensuring long-term security.
| Category | Max Support (AED) | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| New hires/Merit | Up to 6,000 | Bachelor's, AED6k salary |
| Child of Emirati mother | 3,000 | Mother private sector |
| Wife of Emirati | 3,000 | Qualifications + family status |
Strategic Shift to High-Value, Skills-Driven Jobs
Post-2026, Nafis pivots from quantity to quality, targeting high-impact roles in AI, fintech, real estate, and logistics. Competency assessments, international certifications, internships, and school outreach will prepare youth for these. This ensures Emiratis lead in strategic sectors, enhancing UAE's global edge.
Economic and Social Impacts: Boosting Growth and Stability
Nafis has injected vitality into the economy by localizing talent, reducing expatriate reliance, and spurring innovation. With 176,000 jobs created, it supports GDP growth through skilled labour. Family benefits like unlimited allowances alleviate living costs, potentially increasing birth rates and workforce participation. See analysis in Gulf News coverage.
Private Sector Response and Stakeholder Perspectives
Employers welcome the clarity, with incentives for training and hiring. Challenges like skill mismatches are addressed via funded upskilling. Officials like Ghannam Al Mazrouei hail it as inclusive, while firms in banking (high compliance) adapt swiftly.
Voices from the Ground: Emirati Success Stories
Manar Al Marzouqi, office manager: "Nafis provides breathing space amid loans, sparking private sector interest." Halima Adel: "Best decision—rewards skills, broadens horizons." Rashid Al Shehhi: "Grateful for experiences gained." Thousands echo this, with women thriving in diverse roles. For more reactions, check Khaleej Times.
Addressing Challenges and Looking to 2040
While successful, issues like salary cuts by some firms (fined up to AED96k/employee) and public-private wage gaps persist. Solutions include stricter enforcement, career guidance, and flexi-work supports. By 2040, Nafis aims for 10%+ private sector Emiratisation, agile markets, and empowered families.
This extension cements UAE's human capital focus, promising prosperity for generations.
Photo by Sajimon Sahadevan on Unsplash
