UAE Announces Major Expansion of Nafis Program with Enhanced Family Support Until 2040
In a landmark decision aimed at bolstering Emirati employment in the private sector, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a significant expansion of its flagship Nafis program, extending its benefits through the year 2040. This strategic move, announced under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscores the nation's long-term vision to empower local talent and enhance job security for its citizens.
Key Reforms: Unlimited Child Allowance and Enhanced Financial Support
The updated Nafis scheme introduces a comprehensive suite of financial and social support measures, with the most notable change being the complete removal of any cap on child allowance. This represents a major shift in how family support is structured under the program, particularly benefiting larger Emirati households. Officials have emphasized that this move reflects the leadership's deep commitment to improving quality of life while incentivizing more nationals to join and remain in the private sector workforce.
Alongside this, the program continues to provide robust monthly salary top-ups, which can reach up to Dh7,000 depending on an individual's qualifications and income levels. These are complemented by pension contributions and unemployment support, creating a more financially viable career path for Emiratis in private enterprises. The reforms are specifically designed to better address real household needs, with the unlimited child support and expanded family-focused incentives expected to significantly enhance long-term financial security for families.
Empowering Emirati Women and Families
The government is taking proactive steps to ensure every household member can contribute to the nation's economy. The latest updates include targeted salary support programs for the children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector, as well as a new support scheme for the wives of Emirati citizens employed in private companies. By broadening this safety net, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council aims to foster a dynamic and stable work environment that protects family income while encouraging more nationals to transition from public sector roles to private enterprise.
Nafis Program's Impact and Broader Strategy
The expansion of Nafis is central to the UAE's broader Emiratisation strategy, which seeks to increase national 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 program's remarkable progress, noting it has already surpassed its initial employment targets. Since its launch in 2021, over 176,000 Emiratis have entered the private sector, marking a transformative shift in the country's workforce landscape.
Currently, approximately 152,000 citizens actively benefit from Nafis across nearly 32,000 companies, demonstrating the program's extensive reach and impact. This initiative also supports the UAE's economic diversification goals by encouraging nationals to contribute to key industries beyond the traditional public sector.
Future Directions: A Permanent Structural Shift
Sheikh Mansour described Nafis as the cornerstone of national talent development. By extending the program to 2040, the UAE is sending a clear message to both its citizens and the global market: Emiratisation is not a temporary trend but a permanent structural shift. In addition to financial aid, the program is intensifying its focus on Future Jobs. The third cycle of the Nafis Award has introduced categories for artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy, ensuring the next generation is not only employed but also leading the industries of tomorrow.
With more than 38,000 children already supported by the allowance scheme, the UAE is making a substantial investment in its people, viewing them as its greatest asset. This forward-looking approach aims to secure a prosperous and competitive future for the nation.
