Image: WAM/ For illustrative purposes
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said on Wednesday it will raise the minimum wage for Emiratis working in the private sector to Dhs6,000 per month, effective January 1, 2026.
In a statement, the ministry said the new minimum wage will apply to all new citizen work permits, as well as existing permits that are renewed or amended from the start of 2026.
Companies that employed Emiratis before that date will be required to adjust salaries to meet the new minimum threshold by June 30, 2026.
Khalil Ibrahim Al Khouri, Under-Secretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at the ministry, stated that the move is part of the government’s broader Emiratisation strategy, which follows a phased approach to increasing private-sector wages for citizens.
Minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector rises to Dhs6,000
He said the strategy initially set a minimum salary of Dhs4,000, which was later raised to Dhs5,000, and will now rise to Dhs6,000 from 2026. The gradual increases are intended to reflect prevailing market wages based on job roles, while giving private-sector employers sufficient time to implement the changes.
Ministry urges companies to amend employment contracts by June
Al Khouri urged companies to amend their employment contracts for Emirati staff in line with the new minimum wage before the June 2026 deadline, adding that all Emiratis employed in the private sector must earn at least Dhs6,000 by that date.
From July 1, 2026, measures will be taken against non-compliant establishments, including excluding Emirati employees with unadjusted salaries from being counted towards Emiratisation targets and suspending the issuance of new work permits until wages comply with the new requirement, the ministry said.
Al Khouri praised private-sector firms for their continued commitment to Emiratisation policies, noting that progress has been supported by the Nafis programme and its digital platform, which connects employers with a pool of qualified Emirati candidates and provides incentives to companies meeting their Emiratisation goals.
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