Monthly Salary Band (AED) Allowance Per Child (AED) Maximum Allowance Per Month (AED) Up to AED 50,000 AED 2,400 AED 600 (for up to 4 children) The UAE government continues to advance Emiratisation through strategic initiatives under NAFIS, a flagship program launched in September 2021 as part of the Projects of the 50. Overseen by the UAE National Talent Competitiveness Council, NAFIS provides financial support, skills development, and employment incentives to ensure UAE Nationals are equipped to build long-term careers in the private sector. Below are the updated NAFIS programmes available in 2025: UAE National Salary Support Scheme This scheme supplements the salaries of Emiratis working in the private or financial sector, promoting retention and encouraging sustainable career growth outside of government roles. Eligibility Criteria • Emiratis earning up to AED 30,000 per month • No concurrent salary or pension from a government entity (except inherited pensions) • Salary must be paid through WPS or other approved systems • Active pension contributions through ADRPBF or GPSSA (minimum 2 months) • The employee must not hold ownership in the company of employment Salary Support Amounts Note: Employers must maintain standard pay structures and must not use salary support to reduce Emiratis' base salaries. Unemployment Benefits for UAE Nationals UAE Nationals who lose employment due to circumstances beyond their control may receive financial support for up to six consecutive months. Maximum benefit duration 12 months over 5 years (6 months maximum per instance) Mandatory Job Search Requirement Recipients must actively seek employment; refusal of suitable roles may result in termination of benefits. Child Allowance To support UAE Nationals with child-related expenses, eligible employees earning up to AED 50,000 per month can claim a monthly allowance of AED 600 per child for up to four children under the age of 21. 21,372 Partner Establishments Registered on the NAFIS Platform in 2024 Monthly Salary Bracket Bachelor’s & Above Diploma Holders High School or Below Below AED 20,000 AED 20,000 – 30,000 AED 7,000 AED 3,500 AED 6,000 AED 3,000 AED 5,000 AED 2,500 Recipient Monthly Benefit UAE National who lost their job Spouse (if unemployed) First child Second child Third child AED 7,000 AED 4,500 AED 2,400 AED 2,400 AED 1,600 M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 5 6 Pension Programme The NAFIS pension initiative helps UAE Nationals working in the private sector by subsidizing pension contributions for those earning up to AED 20,000 per month. This initiative supports long-term financial security and encourages Emiratis to build sustainable careers in the private sector. Pension Contribution Breakdown (2022-2026): On-The Job Training Programme This initiative provides financial support and hands-on training opportunities in the private sector. The program subsidises trainee salaries for one-year placements, helping Emiratis gain practical experience and develop essential skills. Apprenticeship Programme Support This initiative provides UAE Nationals with practical work experience through apprenticeships in private and semi-public companies. • For UAE National Graduates: Targets university and college graduates, helping them gain professional experience. 432 fresh UAE National participants have already benefited. • For UAE National Students: Open to students from the ninth grade to their final year of higher education, helping them transition smoothly into the workforce. The pilot phase will expand over five years to cover all students in these grades. Career Counselling Service The Career Counselling Service supports UAE Nationals in identifying their skills, capabilities, and career interests through: • Individual and group career assessments • Professional career guidance sessions • Workshops on industry trends and market opportunities This program ensures that Emirati job seekers make informed career choices and align their skills with job market demands. NAFIS Platform The NAFIS Platform is a centralised job portal connecting UAE Nationals with private sector employment opportunities. Since its launch: • 21,372 establishments have utilised the NAFIS platform by the end of 2024. • More than 65,000 jobs have been posted on the NAFIS platform since its launch. Year Employee Contribution Employer Contribution Government Contribution Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 Y5 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 4% 5% 6% 20% 18% 16% 15% 14% Educational Qualification Monthly Stipend Bachelor’s & Above Diplomas High School or Below AED 8,000 AED 6,500 AED 4,000 EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS Private-sector companies must register UAE National employees with GPSSA or an official pension centre within 30 days of hiring. OBJECTIVE To enhance career readiness and bridge the gap between education and employment. OBJECTIVE To streamline recruitment and improve job accessibility for Emirati professionals by providing a centralised job portal connecting UAE Nationals with private sector employment opportunities M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 5 7