Nafis: The UAE Programme for Emiratis in Private-Sector Jobs
Nafis is the UAE federal programme that supports Emiratis working in the private sector, through monthly salary support, a child allowance, pension support, training and a national jobs platform. It is run by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) and has been extended to 2040. From September 2026, salary support for new beneficiaries is up to AED 6,000 a month for a bachelor's degree.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | September 2021, as one of the Projects of the 50 |
| Original budget | AED 24 billion |
| Run by | Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) |
| Runs until | 2040 |
| Salary support | up to AED 6,000 a month (bachelor's), up to AED 5,000 a month (diploma), up to AED 4,000 a month (secondary) |
| Salary band | AED 6,000 to AED 20,000 a month |
| Child allowance | AED 600 per child a month, no limit on the number of children |
| Registration | Free, with UAE Pass |
Why Nafis exists
Public-sector packages were historically higher, so many Emirati graduates chose government jobs and private employers assumed Emirati talent was unaffordable. Nafis closes that gap from the government side: it tops up the employee's income directly, so a private-sector role reaches a competitive total.
What Nafis offers
| Support | What it is | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Salary support | Monthly top-up paid to the employee, tiered by qualification | Salary support |
| Child allowance | AED 600 per child a month, no limit on the number of children | Child allowance |
| Family schemes | Support for children of Emirati mothers and, from September 2026, women married to Emirati men | Eligibility |
| Pension support | From September 2026, Nafis pays the employee's pension contribution; the employer pays its own share | Pension |
| Training and apprenticeships | Programmes that place Emiratis in private-sector training and early-career roles | Programmes |
| Jobs platform | The official channel MoHRE points employers to for Emirati candidates | How to register |
Nafis pays the employee, not the employer
Nafis is not a rebate. It does not reduce the salary the employer owes and does not appear on payroll as a credit. It changes what the person receives, which changes what an employer can attract. A bachelor's-degree Emirati on AED 14,000 from the employer may receive up to AED 6,000 more from Nafis.
What changed in 2026
- April: Nafis extended to 2040 and a new framework announced.
- September: salary support tiers reset for new beneficiaries; the minimum salary for all schemes standardised at AED 6,000; the cap on the number of children removed; a scheme for women married to Emirati men opened; the government's pension contribution for the relevant cohort withdrawn.
- Existing beneficiaries move to the new tiers gradually: AED 500 less every six months for those above the new caps, and a 100%, 70%, 30% phase-out for employees outside MoHRE and Central Bank rules. See salary support.
Nafis and Emiratisation are not the same thing
Emiratisation is the obligation on employers, set by MoHRE. Nafis is the support that makes meeting it viable, run by ETCC. For targets, see Emiratisation targets. For support, stay in this section.
Frequently asked questions
01What is Nafis?
A federal programme that supports UAE nationals in private-sector jobs with salary top-ups, family allowances, pension support, training and a jobs platform, run by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council until 2040.
02How much does Nafis pay?
From September 2026, salary support for new beneficiaries is up to AED 6,000 a month for a bachelor's degree, AED 5,000 for a diploma and AED 4,000 for secondary school, for salaries between AED 6,000 and AED 20,000.
03Does Nafis pay the employer?
No. Salary support and allowances are paid to the Emirati employee.
04Is Nafis ending?
No. Nafis has been extended to 2040. Existing beneficiaries are moving to the new support levels gradually.
Sources
- MoHRE: Nafis extended to 2040. Summary citing MoHRE, June 2026.
- Explained: how to claim the Dh600 monthly Nafis child allowance. Gulf News, quoting ETCC, 21 August 2026.
- UAE Nafis update: what's changing. Morgan Lewis, June 2026.
This page explains UAE Emiratisation rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm against the official MoHRE, Nafis or Central Bank source linked above before acting. StrongYes is an independent publication and is not affiliated with MoHRE, Nafis, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council or any UAE government body. Full disclaimer.