UAE Nafis Rules to Change From September 2026: What Emiratis Need to Know

Emiratis working in the UAE private sector will see important changes to Nafis support from September 2026.

The revised framework introduces a Dh6,000 minimum salary threshold and changes several financial support schemes.

The new system also expands child allowances and changes pension contribution responsibilities.

Dh6,000 Minimum Salary Threshold

The revised Nafis framework standardises the minimum monthly salary for support eligibility at Dh6,000.

For the main Salary Support Scheme, the employee’s monthly salary must not exceed Dh20,000.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council announced the revised framework after extending Nafis until 2040.

New Monthly Salary Support Levels

New beneficiaries will receive support based on educational qualifications and, in some cases, family circumstances.

• Bachelor’s degree holders: Up to Dh6,000 per month
• Diploma holders: Up to Dh5,000 per month
• Secondary-school graduates: Up to Dh4,000 per month
• Below secondary-school level: Up to Dh4,000 for married employees or those with dependants
• Below secondary-school level: Up to Dh3,000 for unmarried employees without dependants

Existing Beneficiaries Will Transition Gradually

Existing recipients will not move to the new support amounts immediately.

From September, their support will adjust automatically through a gradual transition.

The payment will reduce by Dh500 every six months until it reaches the amount under the revised policy.

The transition may take up to three years.

Special Arrangement for Some Free-Zone Employees

A separate mechanism will apply to employees outside the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Central Bank framework.

This includes certain free-zone workers whose salaries fall below the approved minimum.

Eligible employees who correct their salary to Dh6,000 will receive full current support for six months.

Support will then move to 70% for six months and 30% for another three months.

Child Allowance Becomes Uncapped

One of the biggest changes removes the previous four-child limit under the Child Allowance Scheme.

The allowance will remain Dh600 per eligible child each month.

However, there will be no upper limit on the number of eligible children.

The employee’s salary must be at least Dh6,000 and no more than Dh50,000 for this scheme.

New Support for Children of Emirati Mothers

The updated framework introduces salary support for eligible children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector.

Support can reach Dh3,000 per month, subject to programme conditions.

Published criteria include a salary between Dh6,000 and Dh20,000 and an accredited bachelor’s degree.

Support for Wives of Emirati Men

Eligible wives of Emirati men may also receive salary support of up to Dh3,000 per month.

Conditions include an accredited bachelor’s degree and a salary between Dh6,000 and Dh15,000.

Applicants must also meet specified family-related eligibility requirements.

Employers to Pay Their Pension Share

Nafis will continue supporting pension-fund contributions for eligible Emirati private-sector employees.

From September, employers will become responsible for paying their statutory share of pension contributions.

Nafis Extended Until 2040

The reforms follow the UAE’s decision to extend Nafis until 2040.

The programme aims to increase Emirati participation in the private sector and strengthen national talent competitiveness.

The revised framework also seeks to support financial and family stability for Emirati citizens.

Key Changes From September 2026

• New Nafis framework begins in September 2026.
• Dh6,000 becomes the standard minimum salary threshold.
• Bachelor’s degree holders can receive up to Dh6,000 monthly.
• The Dh600 child allowance remains, but the four-child limit ends.
• New support applies to eligible children of Emirati mothers and wives of Emirati men.
• Existing beneficiaries will transition gradually.
• Employers will pay their statutory pension contribution share.

The changes will reshape several Nafis support programmes when the revised framework begins in September.

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