UAE expands Al-Nafis program until 2040, adds monthly salary support and unlimited child allowance / Photo: File
In an important step to boost the employment of Emiratis in the private sector, the UAE announced a major expansion of the pioneering “Nafs” program, extending benefits until 2040.
This announcement was made based on the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which reinforces the country’s long-term vision to empower Emirati talent and enhance job security.The updated scheme offers a wide range of financial and social support measures; The most notable change is the removal of any cap on child allowances. This represents a major shift in how family support is structured under the “nafis” system, especially for large Emirati families.Officials said the move reflects the leadership’s commitment to improving the quality of life while encouraging more citizens to join and remain in the private sector workforce.
Explanation of the new allowance rules in the United Arab Emirates “Nafis”.
One of the most important changes under the revised version: At the same time, the program continues to offer monthly salary increases that can reach 7,000 dirhams depending on qualifications and income levels, along with pension contributions and unemployment support.
Officials said these reforms are designed to better reflect real family needs while making jobs in the private sector more financially viable for Emiratis. Removing child support restrictions, along with expanding family-focused incentives, is expected to particularly benefit larger families and improve financial security in the long term, while encouraging more citizens to enter and remain in private sector roles.
Empowering Emirati women
The government works to facilitate the contribution of each family member to the country’s economy. The new updates provide salary support programs specifically targeted to children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector.In addition, a new support program was launched for wives of Emirati citizens working in the private sector. By expanding the safety net, the Emirates Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) aims to create a “dynamic and stable work environment” that protects family income while encouraging more citizens to move from public positions to private enterprise.
How does the Nafis program work?
The expansion of Nafis plays a central role in the UAE’s broader Emiratisation strategy, which seeks to increase citizen participation in private sector employment. At a high-level meeting of the Emirates Talent Competitiveness Council held at Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by the Nafis programme, revealing that it has already exceeded its initial recruitment targets.
Since its launch in 2021, more than 176,000 Emiratis have entered the private sector, representing a major shift in the country’s workforce landscape. Currently, about 152,000 citizens are actively benefiting from the Nafas program across nearly 32,000 companies, reflecting the program’s widespread reach and impact.The program also supports the UAE’s economic diversification goals by encouraging citizens to contribute to key industries outside the public sector.
What’s next?
Sheikh Mansour described Al-Nafees as a “cornerstone” in developing national talent. By extending the program until 2040, the UAE is sending a clear message to both citizens and the global market: Emiratization is not a temporary trend, but a permanent structural transformation.In addition to financial assistance, the program is doubling its efforts in “Jobs of the Future.” The third edition of the Nafis Prize introduced the categories of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Renewable Energy, ensuring that the next generation not only operates, but drives the industries of tomorrow. With more than 38,000 children already supported through the subsidy programme, the UAE is betting big on its people as its “greatest asset”.
