One of the most significant policy changes that have been implemented on Emirati professionals, in the field of the private sector is the UAE updated Nafis Programme as part of the broader Nafis 2040 strategy. As new salary support packages will start paying out in September 2026, the big question many people now have is: how much will I actually end up earning on a monthly basis?
This guide simplifies the structure and lays out the structure in a manner that you can easily estimate the monthly benefits.
Revised Salary Support Structure
The new Nafis salary scheme is based on tiered monthly top-ups on the basis of educational qualification. This is meant to render employment in the private sector more competitive than in the government. With the new model, Emirati workers can get:
- The maximum amount is up to AED 6,000 in case of holders of bachelor degrees.
- A maximum of AED 5,000 on the diploma holders.
- As much as AED 4,000 in high school graduates.
These are not just fixed amounts but will vary depending on your current pay and eligibility requirements.
Monthly calculations of Benefit
Your benefit can be estimated by realizing that Nafis is more of a top-up to your salary, and not a replacement of the entire salary. It is aimed at eliminating the difference between the salary in the private sector and the competitive level of income.
Say a bachelor’s degree graduate makes AED 8,000 per month, Nafis could offer a top-up (not exceeding AED 6,000) based on the approved salary limit. The amount actually formed is dependent on the guidelines of the program and employer involvement.
Put simply, it relies on the lower your base salary (within corporate limits), the greater your possible top-up, to the maximum amount to which your level of qualification is entitled.
Big Change Price: Unlimited Child Allowance
Among the recent changes discussed in the Nafis 2040 plan is the abolition of the child allowance cap. Earlier on, families could only receive benefits on a few children.
Children of all eligible Emirati employees will now be getting financial aid, and this will drastically boost the household income per month. This applies particularly in case of larger families, and the policy conforms to national family-centered policies.
Other Supporting Services to Families
The updated scheme covers additional eligibility such as children of Emirati mothers and spouses of the Emirati citizens in the private sector.
It implies that a larger number of households will be able to take advantage of Nafis and this would establish a wider financial safety net. It is an indication of a transition to inclusivity and sustainable economic wellbeing of the Emirati families.
Period of transition of benefits of the existing beneficiaries
When you are already a member of Nafis, there will be no immediate change in your benefits. In place, there will be a three-year transition period.
At this stage, your support will steadily grow by AED 500 after every six months until it reaches the new 2040 structure. This guarantees an easy settling process, instead of financial shock.
Importance to the Private Sector Workers
The updated Nafis salary program will attract more Emiratis to the private sector. The program narrows the difference between the public and private employment by providing competitive levels of income support.
Having already employed around 176,000 Emiratis through Nafis, the 2040 expansion is an indicator of confidence in the careers of the private sector in the long run.
More Stories You Shouldn’t Miss
Ready for Doha’s Biggest Tech Crowd?
Explore how Web Summit Qatar 2026 sold out as thousands head to Doha for innovation and networking.
Curious About UAE at G7 Talks?
Discover why Canada invited the UAE to join key discussions at the upcoming G7 summit.
Interested in Kuwait’s Cloud Innovations?
Check how GBM CloudX launch is shaping the future of cloud technology at Kuwait Innovation Summit.
Want Insights from Dublin Meetings?
Explore what happened during the first Web Summit Qatar 2026 meetings held in Dublin.
Looking at UAE’s AI Global Rise?
Discover how UAE’s AI powerhouse strategy is driving its rapid global technological influence.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 updated Nafis salary scheme is not only an update on the financial side of the matter but also a move to redefine the UAE workforce. The program provides valuable support to Emirati professionals by offering salary top-ups, family allowances, and inclusion policies.
The first thing to do is to understand the calculation of your benefits using this increasingly dynamic system to make informed career decisions.
FAQs
What is the Nafis salary support?
The Nafis salary support is determined as a top-up to your current salary and level of education with predetermined maximum savings per category.
When will the new Nafis salary scheme start?
The new remuneration scale will begin in September 2026.
How much salary support does Nafis have?
The maximum monthly allowance is AED 6,000 to those who have taken a bachelor degree, AED 5,000 to those who have taken a diploma, and AED 4,000 to those who have taken high school.
Do we have any maximum limit on child allowance?
The child allowance quota has been eliminated, so any child provided is eligible to be supported.
Will the new benefits be immediately received by current Nafis beneficiaries?
No, current beneficiaries will gradually switch over a period of three years with gradual rise after every half year.
Top Stories3 weeks ago
