Key Nafis Updates for Emiratis in Private Sector from September 2026

Aug 19, 2026

90 min

Aug 19, 2026 14:31

3 key Nafis updates for Emiratis working in private sector from September

## Salary Support Adjustments

Starting September 2026, Emiratis in the private and banking sectors will experience changes in Nafis support programs. Salary support will be gradually reduced for those registered with Nafis before August 14. The new support levels are set at Dh6,000 for university graduates, Dh5,000 for diploma holders, and Dh4,000 for high school graduates and those below high school level who are married or have children. Unmarried beneficiaries below high school level with no children will receive Dh3,000. For those earning between Dh20,000 and Dh30,000 monthly, support will decrease by Dh500 every six months until it reaches zero. Those earning up to Dh20,000 will see a similar reduction until it aligns with the new rules. Employees in free zones will have a separate phased reduction starting March 2027.

## Minimum Wage Requirement

From September, Nafis support will be suspended for beneficiaries in private-sector or banking roles if their gross monthly salary is below Dh6,000. Employers not meeting this minimum wage requirement may face penalties.

## Child Allowance Update

The child allowance will provide Dh600 monthly for each eligible child of UAE nationals working in the private sector, with no cap on the number of children, as long as the beneficiary's salary does not exceed Dh50,000. Support for male children continues until age 21 or employment, while for females, it continues until marriage or employment. The allowance is not available if the spouse works for a government entity.

## Eshtirak Programme Changes

Changes to the Eshtirak programme will limit Nafis support to the legally required share of pension contributions for eligible Emiratis earning between Dh6,000 and Dh20,000 monthly. Employers must now cover their share of pension contributions. Beneficiaries must be registered with a UAE pension fund and cannot receive a salary or pension from a government entity.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents

LinkedIn X Facebook WhatsApp Telegram