Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant policy move aligned with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE government has decided to extend its prominent Nafis programme through to 2040. Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed this initiative, emphasizing its role in empowering Emiratis.

This decision demonstrates the leadership's enduring commitment to bolster Emiratization efforts, ensuring workforce stability and the active participation of Emirati citizens in the nation's economic and social landscape.

Major Updates in Focus

During a meeting of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council at Qasr Al Watan on April 6, 2026, key expansions to the Nafis programme were officially announced.

The primary updates involve:

• Broadening the scope of the Children’s Allowance, now allowing for additional eligible children.

• Introducing new salary support initiatives for:

  • Children of Emirati mothers that are working in the private sector.

  • Wives of Emirati citizens employed in the private sector.

These enhancements resonate with the UAE’s focus during the Year of Family 2026, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to nurturing family stability and fostering a cohesive society.

Advancing Talent Development

Sheikh Mansour presided over the graduation of the second cohort from the Nafis Leadership Programme, which trains Emiratis in leadership and innovation.

This cohort included 25 Emiratis who engaged with industry leaders through workshops, aiming to equip them for contemporary workplace challenges.

Long-Term Vision Emphasized

Sheikh Mansour highlighted that the extension of Nafis to 2040 will achieve the following:

• Enhance competitiveness within the national workforce.

• Deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

• Foster a stable, dynamic work atmosphere.

He underlined that prioritizing investment in human resources is paramount, identifying human capital as the UAE’s most valuable asset.

Monitoring Program Success

Since its initiation in September 2021, the Nafis programme has encountered various notable achievements:

• Employment of over 176,000 Emiratis.

• Around 152,000 active beneficiaries across 32,000 businesses.

• Original targets have already been surpassed in advance of deadlines.

Focusing on Women and Family

• Women comprise 74% of the total beneficiaries of the programme.

• More than 38,000 children have benefitted from family allowances.

Such statistics illustrate the programme’s significant influence on workforce inclusivity and family support.

Skill Development Opportunities

The Nafis programme is dedicated to providing rich training avenues:

• More than 3,500 participants in the National Healthcare Programme.

• Over 7,700 beneficiaries involved in Kafa’at, Khebra, and various employment training programs.

These initiatives are designed to prepare Emirati talents for the future labor market demands.

The Nafis programme was established in 2021 with a budget of AED 24 billion as a part of the UAE’s “Projects of the 50” initiative, aimed at placing 170,000 Emiratis in private-sector roles—a goal that has already been achieved ahead of time.

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