The UAE extends the “Nafis” program until 2040
The UAE has extended its flagship Nafis program until 2040, signaling a long-term push to boost Emiratisation and expand opportunities for national talent in the private sector.This was announced by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Office. The extension comes under the directives of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which reinforces the country’s commitment to building a sustainable national workforce.Alongside the extension, the authorities introduced a series of new initiatives focusing on social and workforce support.
These programs include a program designed to support the children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector, as well as a separate initiative aimed at supporting the wives of Emirati citizens working in private companies.
Child benefits under the Al-Nafis program were also expanded, removing the maximum number of children covered. This change is expected to enhance family stability while encouraging greater participation of Emiratis in private sector roles.
The program has already seen significant uptake. To date, 176,000 Emirati citizens have been employed through Nafees, of whom 152,000 are currently working in the private sector. Women represent 74 percent of the beneficiaries, while 38,000 individuals received support through the child allowance program.The “Nafis” initiative has also contributed to promoting strong participation on the part of employers, as about 32,000 companies are now working to employ Emirati talent within the framework of this initiative, which reflects an increasing shift towards private sector participation.
What is the Nafis program?
“Nafis” is a federal initiative launched by the United Arab Emirates to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati citizens and increase their participation in the private sector. The program aims to enable 75,000 citizens to occupy jobs in the private sector by 2025.The order requires companies with more than 50 employees to meet specific hiring quotas for Emiratis. To support this, Nafis provides salary support, training programs, and financial incentives, helping citizens transition into and maintain employment in the private sector.
Why does it matter?
The extension of the NEFIS program until 2040 reflects the UAE’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on public sector employment and enhance the role of citizens in the private sector.By expanding benefits such as family support and removing restrictions on child allowances, the program also addresses key social factors that influence career choices, making private sector roles more viable for Emiratis.On a broader level, the NAFIS program is designed to build a more balanced and sustainable labor market, where national talent plays a greater role in driving economic growth while aligning workforce development with the country’s future economic priorities.
