The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced an increase in the minimum wage for Emiratis working in the private sector to AED6,000 per month, reinforcing the UAE’s push to strengthen citizen participation in private employment.
The new minimum wage will take effect on 1 January 2026 and will apply to all new Emirati work permits, as well as permits that are renewed or amended from that date. Private sector companies that employed Emiratis before the policy comes into force will have until 30 June 2026 to adjust salaries to meet the new requirement.
Khalil Ibrahim Al Khouri, Under-Secretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said the move is part of a phased Emiratisation strategy aimed at aligning wages with market conditions while giving businesses time to adapt. The minimum salary for Emiratis in the private sector has increased gradually from AED4,000 to AED5,000 and will now rise to AED6,000 in 2026.
He urged employers to amend employment contracts in line with the updated wage before the June 2026 deadline, noting that all Emiratis in the private sector must earn at least AED6,000 by that date.
From 1 July 2026, MoHRE will take action against non-compliant establishments. Measures include excluding Emiratis with unadjusted salaries from Emiratisation targets and suspending the issuance of new work permits until compliance is achieved.
Al Khouri praised private sector employers for their continued commitment to Emiratisation, highlighting the role of the Nafis programme and its digital platform in connecting companies with qualified Emirati talent and supporting national workforce goals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
