Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, UAE recently announced the extension of the Nafis programme until 2040.
The initiative aims to sustain Emiratisation programmes, create an attractive and stable work environment for Emirati citizens, and cement their role as a key partner in the UAE's comprehensive economic and social development journey.
Key Changes
- No cap on child allowance payments for Emiratis working in the private sector
- Up to Dhs 3,000 monthly support for wives of Emirati men working in the private sector, subject to eligibility criteria
- Up to Dhs 3,000 monthly salary support for children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector
- Updated salary support packages under the salary support programme for Emiratis working in the private sector
The updates will take effect from September 2026 for new beneficiaries. Existing beneficiaries will go through phased implementation for up to three years.
Since its launch in September 2021, the programme has contributed to the employment of more than 176,000 Emirati nationals, of whom 152,000 are working in the private sector.
Among the total beneficiaries, 74% are women, while more than 38,000 children have been supported through the Child Allowance Scheme. The programme has also significantly broadened its geographic reach across the UAE.