Nafis Program Extended to 2040: Boosting Emirati Talent in the Private Sector
The UAE’s Long-Term Vision: Nafis Program Extended to 2040 to Empower Emirati Talent
The UAE government has announced the strategic extension of the Nafis program until 2040, a decisive move that underscores the nation’s profound commitment to cultivating its local talent pool and fostering a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. This long-term initiative aims to significantly boost the participation of Emirati nationals in the private sector, reinforcing their pivotal role in the country’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.
Launched in September 2021 as a cornerstone of the “Projects of the 50,” Nafis was initially designed to accelerate Emiratisation by providing a comprehensive suite of benefits and incentives for both Emiratis seeking private sector employment and companies committed to hiring them. The program’s extension is expected to solidify these efforts over the next two decades, offering a stable and predictable framework for career development and national workforce integration.
Understanding the Nafis Program’s Core Objectives
The Nafis program is built upon several key pillars, all meticulously designed to make careers in the private sector more attractive and accessible for Emiratis. At its heart, Nafis seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati human resources, empowering them to secure distinguished positions within private sector institutions across the country.
One of the most significant pillars is the salary support scheme, which provides monthly financial top-ups to bridge any pay gaps between public and private sector roles. For instance, graduates can receive up to AED 8,000 during their first year of training and up to AED 5,000 per month for five years post-recruitment, depending on their qualifications and salary band. Bachelor’s degree holders, diploma holders, and high-school graduates can also receive up to AED 7,000, AED 6,000, and AED 5,000 respectively. These benefits were further expanded in November 2022 to include all working citizens whose monthly salaries do not exceed AED 30,000, regardless of their job, specialty, or educational background.
Moreover, Nafis offers unemployment benefits, providing a crucial safety net for up to six months for Emiratis who lose their jobs in the private sector due to circumstances beyond their control. The program also includes a robust focus on enhancing skills and capabilities through extensive training and development initiatives. These initiatives, such as on-the-job training support, apprentice programs, the “Kafa’at” program, and the National Healthcare Program, are tailored to equip Emiratis with the necessary expertise for high-demand roles. By investing in human capital, Nafis aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled Emirati professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economic diversification goals.
Key Benefits of the Extension for Emiratis
For Emiratis, the extension of the Nafis program to 2040 ushers in a renewed sense of security and facilitates long-term career planning. The continued availability of salary support schemes ensures that private sector roles remain financially viable and appealing. This sustained financial encouragement is crucial in shifting perceptions and attracting more national talent to the private sector.
Furthermore, the commitment to providing ongoing training and upskilling opportunities ensures that Emirati talent can adapt to evolving market demands and technological advancements. Programs like the Nafis Leadership Program and the Nafis International Program are designed to develop high-potential Emiratis for future leadership roles and enhance their practical experiences in international companies. This continuous professional development is vital for upward mobility and leadership roles, ensuring Emiratis are not just employed but also thrive and progress within their chosen fields.
The program also offers career counseling, providing guidance sessions and workshops to help Emiratis identify suitable opportunities and navigate their career paths effectively. Recent enhancements to family support, coinciding with the UAE’s Year of the Family 2026, include the expansion of the children’s allowance scheme by removing limits on the number of eligible children, and new initiatives to support children of Emirati mothers and wives of Emirati citizens working in the private sector. These measures aim to strengthen family stability, making private sector roles even more viable for Emiratis.
The focus on specific sectors like healthcare, technology, and finance means targeted support is available for those pursuing careers in these critical areas, aligning individual aspirations with national strategic priorities. The program also provides pension support, with the government contributing 2.5% towards pension payments for eligible Emirati employees earning below AED 20,000, and full support for the Emirati contribution for the first five years of employment.
Impact on Private Sector Companies
The extension of Nafis also offers significant advantages for private sector companies across the UAE. Businesses that hire and train Emiratis through the Nafis program can benefit from substantial financial incentives, reducing their operational costs and making Emiratisation a more economically feasible strategy. These incentives include salary subsidies, pension contribution relief, and child allowances.
Beyond financial aid, participating companies gain access to a dedicated, motivated, and increasingly skilled talent pool. As of April 2026, 176,000 Emiratis have been employed through Nafis, with 152,000 currently working in the private sector across approximately 32,000 establishments, showcasing a growing shift towards private sector participation. The program encourages companies to invest in long-term career development plans for their Emirati employees, fostering loyalty and reducing employee turnover. This creates a win-win situation where companies contribute to national development while strengthening their workforce with skilled and committed local talent.
To further drive Emiratisation, the UAE Cabinet has approved targets for companies. Establishments with 50 or more employees are required to increase Emiratisation rates by 2% annually for skilled jobs, aiming for a 10% increase by 2026. Companies with 20 to 49 workers must hire at least one Emirati by the end of 2024 and an additional one by the end of 2025. Non-compliant companies face financial contributions, such as AED 6,000 monthly for every citizen not employed according to the required target, with these contributions increasing annually. The Nafis Award also recognizes private sector establishments that excel in hiring UAE nationals, further incentivizing participation.
The Nafis platform acts as a central hub, connecting job-seeking citizens with employers and allowing companies to advertise vacancies and connect with suitable Emirati talent. This structured approach ensures that companies can easily find and integrate local talent into their operations.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2040
The extension of the Nafis program to 2040 is a clear testament to the UAE’s unwavering vision for a future where its citizens are at the forefront of economic growth and innovation. It signifies a long-term commitment to nurturing a robust national workforce capable of driving progress across various sectors. The program is not merely about achieving quotas; it is about creating a deeply integrated and empowered Emirati presence within the private sector, contributing to a diversified and resilient economy.
As the program evolves, it will undoubtedly adapt to future economic landscapes and technological shifts. The strategy is already shifting beyond just the number of Emiratis employed to prioritize the quality and impact of Emiratisation, focusing on strengthening the presence of Emiratis in future-oriented roles aligned with economic transformation and labor market needs. This strategic foresight ensures that the UAE remains a global leader in human capital development and economic prosperity, built on the strength and talent of its own people.
