Statutory and legislative payroll changes in United Arab Emirates, each linked to the page it was checked against. For information only, not legal or tax advice: confirm details with the source before acting. See the terms.
AED 6,000 minimum monthly wage for Emiratis in the private sector
Effective 1 January 2026
MoHRE requires a minimum monthly wage of AED 6,000 for Emiratis employed in the private sector from 1 January 2026, with salaries of existing Emirati staff to be adjusted by 30 June 2026.
For the employer
- Apply the AED 6,000 monthly wage to Emirati work permits issued, renewed or amended from 1 January 2026.
- Adjust salaries of Emiratis hired before 2026 to at least AED 6,000 by 30 June 2026.
- From 1 July 2026, underpaid Emiratis are excluded from Emiratisation quota counts and new work permits may be suspended.
For the employee
- Emirati private-sector employees are entitled to a minimum monthly wage of AED 6,000.
Source: KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-006 - United Arab Emirates · Last verified 1 October 2026
Emiratisation H1 2026 target and AED 10,000 monthly contribution
Deadline 30 June 2026
Private-sector companies with 50 or more employees had to add 1% Emiratis in skilled roles by 30 June 2026 (2% annual target); financial contributions apply from 1 July 2026.
For the employer
- Financial contribution from 1 July 2026: AED 10,000 per month (AED 120,000 per year) for each unfilled Emirati position.
- Companies with outstanding Emiratisation results can join the Emiratisation Partners Club (discounts of up to 80% on MoHRE service fees).
In practice: Two unfilled positions: 2 x AED 120,000 = AED 240,000 per year.
MoHRE directs employers to the Nafis platform for recruiting Emirati jobseekers.
Source: WAM (Emirates News Agency) - MoHRE reaffirms June 30 deadline for H1 private sector Emiratisation targets · Last verified 1 October 2026