UAE Sets Dh6,000 Minimum Monthly Salary for Emiratis in Private Sector

The UAE has introduced a minimum monthly salary of Dh6,000 for Emirati citizens working in the private sector, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Emiratisation, improve job stability and encourage more UAE nationals to build long-term careers outside the government sector.

The requirement took effect on January 1, 2026, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Who does the Dh6,000 minimum salary apply to?

The Dh6,000 requirement applies to services involving the issuance, renewal or amendment of work permits for Emirati employees in the private sector.

From January 1, applications for applicable Emirati work permits cannot be processed if the salary registered in the employment contract is below Dh6,000 per month.

Companies that employed Emiratis before January 1, 2026 were given a transition period to bring salaries into line with the new requirement.

The deadline for making those adjustments was June 30, 2026.

What happens if companies do not comply?

Enforcement measures became applicable from July 1, 2026 for establishments that failed to adjust eligible Emirati employees’ salaries to at least Dh6,000.

Under the rules, an Emirati employee whose salary remains below the required level may no longer be counted toward the company’s Emiratisation targets until the salary is corrected.

MoHRE may also restrict the company from obtaining new work permits until it complies with the minimum salary requirement.

Minimum salary has increased gradually

The latest increase forms part of the UAE’s phased Emiratisation strategy.

According to MoHRE, the minimum salary threshold for Emiratis in the private sector was initially set at Dh4,000, later increased to Dh5,000, and has now risen to Dh6,000 per month in 2026.

The gradual approach is intended to reflect labour-market conditions while giving private-sector companies sufficient time to adapt their salary structures.

What about the Nafis programme?

The Nafis programme, which provides employment and financial support to Emiratis working in the private sector, is also being updated.

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has announced that the minimum salary required to qualify for Nafis salary support will be standardised at Dh6,000 per month across eligible categories.

The revised Nafis benefits framework is scheduled to take effect from September 2026 for new beneficiaries, while existing recipients will transition gradually under the updated system.

Nafis will continue to provide eligible Emirati private-sector employees with salary support and other benefits according to their qualifications, income and programme conditions.

Part of the UAE’s Emiratisation drive

The UAE has significantly expanded its Emiratisation policies in recent years as it seeks to increase the participation of citizens in private-sector employment.

Alongside mandatory Emiratisation targets for qualifying companies, programmes such as Nafis provide financial incentives, training opportunities and employment support for Emirati jobseekers and employees.

Officials say the Dh6,000 salary floor is intended to help improve financial and career stability for UAE nationals, while encouraging companies to offer jobs that provide sustainable career opportunities.