UAE Nafis Rules Change in September 2026: What Employees Need to Know
The UAE Nafis rules 2026 are set to change from September, bringing new salary-support levels, expanded family benefits and changes to pension contributions for eligible Emiratis working in the private sector.
The revised framework will apply to new beneficiaries from September 2026, while existing recipients will move to the new system gradually over a period of up to three years.
The changes are part of the UAE’s wider plan to strengthen Emirati participation in the private sector. Key changes under the updated Nafis programme include:
- Minimum salary: Eligible new beneficiaries will generally need a monthly salary of at least Dh6,000 to receive Nafis salary support.
- Salary support: Eligible university graduates can receive up to Dh6,000 per month, while diploma holders can receive up to Dh5,000 and secondary-school graduates up to Dh4,000.
- Child allowance: Eligible employees can receive Dh600 per month for each eligible child, with no limit on the number of children, subject to programme conditions.
- Support for families: New salary-support schemes will cover eligible children of Emirati mothers and wives of Emirati citizens working in the private sector, with support of up to Dh3,000 per month.
- Pension contributions: Under the Nafis Subscription programme, private-sector employers will take responsibility for their own pension contribution share from September, while government support continues under the revised framework.
- Existing beneficiaries: Current Nafis recipients will transition gradually. In some cases, support will reduce by Dh500 every six months until the new approved level is reached.
- Programme extension: Nafis has been extended until 2040, giving the programme a longer-term role in supporting Emirati participation in private-sector employment.
The updated rules are designed to make Nafis support more closely linked to employment, education and family circumstances while providing a gradual transition for people already receiving benefits.
Emiratis affected by the changes should check their eligibility and updated benefit details through official Nafis and Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council channels before September.
