In a major step to boost local employment in the private sector, the UAE has introduced a fresh salary support initiative for Emiratis. Aimed at empowering young citizens and reducing reliance on government jobs, the programme offers financial incentives that promote long-term private sector participation.
The UAE government has launched a significant new employment initiative targeting young Emiratis in the private sector, marking a bold move to reshape the nation’s labour landscape. This latest salary support scheme, part of the broader Nafis programme, aims to empower UAE nationals with greater job opportunities outside the public sector—especially in high-demand industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.
This initiative comes at a time when the UAE continues to diversify its economy, reduce its dependency on oil, and build a knowledge-based, competitive workforce. With growing private sector demand and a young, educated population, the government’s strategic move is timely and essential.
A Boost for Young Emiratis
The new scheme will provide direct monthly salary top-ups for Emiratis working in the private sector, especially those starting their careers or switching from government roles. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this scheme is designed to reduce the wage gap between private and public sectors, making private employment more attractive to national talent.
New joiners may receive up to AED 7,000 per month in salary support, depending on their qualifications and job role. The support is available for up to five years and includes various additional benefits such as child allowances and training support.
Young professionals, particularly recent graduates, stand to benefit the most. This move is also expected to alleviate unemployment challenges among young Emiratis by encouraging them to explore new career paths with better long-term growth potential.
Focus on Women and Fresh Graduates
A notable feature of the scheme is its inclusivity. Young women and fresh graduates are among the primary target groups. The initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance gender balance in the workplace and expand female representation in leadership and technical roles.
“This is more than just a salary incentive,” said Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development. “It’s an investment in the nation’s future. Empowering our youth, especially women, to join the private sector not only fosters personal growth but also supports national development goals.”
Support for Employers
The programme also provides benefits for private companies. Employers hiring Emiratis will gain access to subsidised training programmes and hiring incentives, making it more appealing to invest in long-term national talent development.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand to gain significantly from this move. By offsetting part of the payroll burden, SMEs will be in a stronger position to recruit qualified Emiratis and compete with larger corporations for top local talent.
The Ministry confirmed that companies meeting Emiratisation quotas will continue to receive additional support and exemptions from certain administrative fees. This multi-pronged approach ensures that businesses of all sizes are encouraged to play a role in workforce nationalisation.
Driving Economic Diversification
The salary support scheme is part of the broader Emiratisation agenda, which aims to increase Emirati representation in the private sector to 10% by 2026. In 2024 alone, over 81,000 Emiratis were employed in the private sector, a 170% increase compared to 2021 figures.
This upward trend reflects growing trust in the private sector’s ability to offer stable, growth-oriented careers. The new support package is expected to accelerate this transition even further, contributing to the UAE’s long-term economic vision, including the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.
By preparing Emirati youth for future-ready careers, the UAE hopes to build a resilient economy supported by a skilled and agile national workforce. From software development to logistics and e-commerce, many emerging sectors are expected to benefit from the influx of local talent.
Voices from the Ground
Ayesha Al Mazrouei, a recent graduate working in a Dubai-based fintech company, says the support has encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. “Initially, I wanted to work in a government job like most of my classmates. But this support scheme gave me the push I needed to explore something new. I’m now part of an exciting tech project and learning something every day.”
Employers are echoing this sentiment. Ahmed Khalil, HR manager of a Sharjah-based logistics firm, believes the programme will “bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity,” and make it easier for companies to diversify their teams with skilled nationals.
The Road Ahead
With continued investment in human capital, digital infrastructure, and future industries, the UAE is creating an employment ecosystem that encourages innovation and inclusivity. The new salary support scheme is a vital pillar in this structure, one that highlights the nation’s commitment to empowering its people.
As more Emiratis join the private sector and take on leadership roles, the UAE is well on its way to achieving a dynamic labour market that balances global competitiveness with local empowerment.
This initiative also sends a clear message to young Emiratis: the future is full of opportunity, and the private sector is ready for you.
