UAE Revamps Emiratisation Strategy, Cuts Salary Top-Ups; Boosts Support for Working Mothers

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Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has announced sweeping changes to its Emiratisation strategy, aiming to encourage more citizens, particularly women, to join the private sector while reducing reliance on government financial incentives.

The reforms, set to take effect from September, will see a gradual reduction in salary top-ups provided to Emiratis working in private companies. The move is intended to foster a more “performance-driven culture” and raise professional standards across the sector.

The changes were introduced by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council under its Nafis programme, launched in 2021 to increase Emirati representation in the private workforce to 10 per cent by 2026. The initiative has now been extended to 2040 under directives announced by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.

Under the revised system, monthly salary top-ups, previously capped at Dh7,000, will be reduced to Dh6,000 for degree holders, Dh5,000 for diploma holders and Dh4,000 for those with secondary education. Financial support will be scaled down further over time for existing employees, with a phased reduction implemented every six months.

Officials said the staggered cuts are designed to prepare workers for reduced government support while encouraging career progression and long-term self-reliance.

At the same time, the government is expanding support for working families. A new scheme will offer additional financial assistance of up to Dh3,000 per month to Emirati mothers employed in the private sector, as well as to wives of Emirati citizens working in private companies. Authorities have also removed the cap on child allowance payments to strengthen family support.

“This is not a social support programme,” said Ghannam Al Mazrouei, secretary general of the council. “It is designed to equip Emiratis with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive, performance-based environment.”

The policy marks a shift in focus from meeting recruitment targets to enhancing the quality and impact of Emirati participation in key sectors such as finance, artificial intelligence, health care, education and real estate.

The number of Emiratis employed in the private sector has risen to 176,000, with the majority joining since the launch of Nafis. Companies with 50 or more employees are required to increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months, a target that reached 8 per cent by the end of 2025.

Officials said the next phase of the programme will prioritise skills development, knowledge transfer and leadership opportunities, positioning Emirati talent at the centre of the country’s economic growth.