UAE Nafis Salary Support Changes September 2026
New Nafis salary support rules take effect from September 2026. Learn about the AED6,000 minimum salary, updated benefits and private-sector support.
September 2026 brings an important change for Emiratis working in the UAE private sector. A revised framework for the Nafis programme is now beginning to take effect, introducing updated salary-support levels, a standard minimum salary requirement and expanded family benefits.
The changes were announced earlier this year by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council following the extension of Nafis until 2040. For new beneficiaries, the updated framework takes effect from September 2026, while existing recipients will move to the new structure gradually.
The Minimum Salary Is Now AED6,000
One of the biggest changes is the standardisation of the minimum salary required to qualify for Nafis support.
Under the updated system, eligible Emirati employees must earn at least AED6,000 per month.
This aligns the programme with the UAE's updated minimum wage requirements for Emiratis employed in the private sector.
According to the official Emirates News Agency announcement, the revised maximum monthly salary support will depend on education level.
Bachelor's degree holders may receive up to AED6,000 per month, while diploma holders may receive up to AED5,000 and secondary-school graduates up to AED4,000. Different support levels apply to eligible employees with qualifications below secondary education.
Family Benefits Are Expanding Too
- The updates are not limited to salaries.
- Nafis has also removed the previous cap on the number of children eligible under its Child Allowance Scheme for qualifying Emirati private-sector employees.
- New support mechanisms have also been introduced for certain children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector and for eligible wives of Emirati nationals employed in the private sector.
- These schemes have their own salary, education, family and eligibility requirements, so applicants should check the official criteria rather than assuming they automatically qualify.
What Happens to Existing Nafis Beneficiaries?
Current beneficiaries will not necessarily move to the revised amount immediately.
The transition is designed to happen gradually. Under the announced mechanism, support for existing recipients will be adjusted from September 2026, generally reducing by AED500 every six months until it reaches the level specified under the updated framework.
Special transition arrangements also apply to certain Emiratis working in free zones and other private-sector organisations outside the scope of specific federal employment and banking frameworks. Anyone currently receiving Nafis support should therefore review their personal account and official programme communications to understand exactly how the transition applies to them.
Nafis Is Becoming a Long-Term Part of the UAE Job Market
The programme has already had a significant impact on private-sector employment. Official figures released earlier this year showed that Nafis had contributed to the employment of more than 176,000 Emiratis, with around 152,000 beneficiaries working across approximately 32,000 establishments as of the end of March 2026.
Its extension to 2040 signals that Emiratisation, private-sector career development and long-term skills development will remain major national priorities. The official Nafis platform should be the first place employees and jobseekers check for personal eligibility, applications and programme updates.
Skills Still Matter Beyond Salary Support
- Government programmes can strengthen employment opportunities, but long-term earning potential also depends on skills, experience and adaptability.
- Across the UAE, people are increasingly looking at practical skills, digital capabilities and flexible work as additional ways to build experience and create income opportunities.
- Taysir explores this broader skills economy by connecting people who need services with taskers who can provide them. Readers interested in developing practical earning opportunities can visit Taysir Earn or read How to Turn Free Hours Into Extra Income in the UAE.
For anyone exploring additional paid work, always check that it complies with your employment contract, visa status, licensing requirements and any conditions attached to government benefits.
You can also download the Taysir app to explore local tasks and see which skills are currently in demand across the UAE.
Better support can strengthen your income. Better skills can strengthen your future.