The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has increased the minimum wage for Emiratis employed in the private sector to $1,634 (AED 6,000) per month, effective 1 January 2026.
The Ministry clarified that the new minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector applies to new citizen work permits, as well as those being renewed or amended starting from 1 January 2026.
This also allows establishments that employed Emiratis prior to the specified date to adjust their salaries to meet the new minimum wage by 30 June 2026.
HE Khalil Ibrahim Al Khouri, Undersecretary of Labor Market and Emiratization Operations at MoHRE, emphasized that the increased minimum wage for Emirati talent in the private sector falls within the framework of the Emiratization strategy.
This strategy adopts a phased approach to raising the minimum wage of citizens in the private sector, starting from $1,089 (AED 4,000), then $1,362 (AED 5,000), and now to $1,634 (AED 6,000) per month, effective 2026. This gradual adjustment reflects prevailing market wages based on job nature and gives private sector establishments time to implement the staggered increases.
His Excellency also urged establishments to amend employment contracts for Emirati employees to align with the new minimum wage before the 30 June 2026 deadline, after which all Emiratis in the private sector must earn at least $1,634 (AED 6,000). Starting 1 July 2026, non-compliant establishments will face measures, including disqualifying unadjusted Emirati salaries from Emiratization targets and suspending new work permits until compliance.
Al Khouri praised private sector establishments for their strong commitment to Emiratization targets, boosted by the Nafis program and its digital platform, which offers a vast pool of qualified Emirati talent plus ministry incentives for compliant firms.
