On 22nd August 2026, significant developments emerged regarding the support programmes for Emirati citizens in the private sector. The UAE’s Competitiveness Council has clarified that recent updates to the “Nafes” programme are aimed at inclusivity rather than decreasing support for existing beneficiaries to favour new ones. Instead, the goal is to enhance the programme’s social and economic impact to better align with the evolving needs of society.
Inclusivity in Support Programmes
The council emphasised that the inclusion of the wives of Emirati citizens and the children of Emirati women reflects the government’s commitment to a comprehensive approach in empowering families and bolstering social and economic stability. These groups, already receiving support in essential sectors such as healthcare and education, will see an extension of benefits, affirming a national strategy that prioritises family integrity.
Balancing Sustainability and Expansion
The updates to the support programmes were grounded in a thorough analysis aimed at maintaining the sustainability of the assistance while also enhancing job security for beneficiaries. This will broaden the accessibility of support for target groups, ensuring that Emirati citizens employed in the private sector continue to receive aid while new programmes for additional demographics are introduced.
Aligning with National Goals
The inclusion of these new beneficiaries is not merely circumstantial; it is a deliberate alignment with the nation’s objectives for the Year of the Family in 2026 and the National Family Growth Agenda for 2031. Specific eligibility criteria, including salary levels, educational qualifications, and years of marriage, have been set to ensure that the support reaches those who genuinely require it.
Enhancements to the Programme
Moreover, the announcement included qualitative updates to the child allowance programme for Emirati citizens working in the private sector, eliminating limits on the number of children eligible for support while broadening the scope of assistance available.
Consolidating National Efforts
The extension of the “Nafes” programme reinforces its status as a cornerstone initiative in empowering UAE citizens. Since its launch five years ago, the programme has proven effective in promoting the stability of Emirati citizens in the private sector, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the national workforce.
As these updates take effect, the commitment to inclusivity and support within the UAE will continue to create a robust framework for the empowerment and stability of families across the nation.