Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Apr 14: The United Arab Emirates has announced a major expansion of its flagship Nafis programme, extending its benefits until 2040 in a significant push to strengthen Emirati participation in the private sector.
The move comes under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and aims to enhance job security, improve quality of life, and empower national talent over the long term.
A key highlight of the revised scheme is the removal of the cap on child allowance, marking a major shift in family support, particularly benefiting larger households. Officials said the decision reflects a stronger focus on social stability while encouraging more citizens to join and remain in private sector roles.
The programme continues to offer salary top-ups of up to Dh7,000 based on qualifications and income levels, along with pension contributions and unemployment support, making private sector employment more financially attractive.
In a bid to further strengthen workforce participation, especially among women, the updated scheme introduces targeted support for children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector. Additionally, a new initiative extends benefits to wives of Emirati citizens employed in private companies, widening the social safety net.
The expansion is being driven by the Emirates Talent Competitiveness Council, which aims to create a stable and dynamic work environment while encouraging a shift from public sector jobs to private enterprise.
Since its launch in 2021, the Nafis programme has already enabled over 176,000 Emiratis to enter the private sector, with around 152,000 currently benefiting across nearly 32,000 companies.
Officials said the initiative plays a central role in the UAE’s broader Emiratisation strategy and supports economic diversification by promoting participation in key industries beyond government jobs.
At a recent meeting held at Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan described Nafis as the “cornerstone” of national talent development, emphasising its long-term importance.
Looking ahead, the programme is also focusing on future-ready sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy, with new award categories introduced to recognise excellence in these fields.
By extending Nafis until 2040, the UAE has underscored its commitment to making Emiratisation a sustained and structural priority in its economic vision.