UAE raises private sector minimum wage for Emiratis to $1,635 from January 2026

The UAE has announced an increase in the minimum wage for Emiratis employed in the private sector to AED6,000 per month ($1,635), effective from January 1, 2026, as part of its ongoing Emiratisation strategy.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said the new minimum salary will apply to new Emirati work permits, as well as permits that are renewed or amended from the start of 2026.

Establishments that employed Emiratis prior to that date will be allowed to adjust salaries to meet the new threshold by June 30, 2026.

UAE minimum wage

Khalil Ibrahim Al Khouri, Under-Secretary of Labour Market & Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said the higher minimum wage falls within a phased framework designed to gradually raise Emirati salaries in the private sector.

He explained that the strategy began with a minimum salary of AED4,000 ($1,090), increased to AED5,000 ($1,360), and will now reach AED6,000 ($1,635) per month from 2026.

The phased increases are intended to reflect prevailing market wages based on job roles, while giving private sector establishments sufficient time to implement the changes.

Al Khouri called on companies to amend the employment contracts of Emirati employees in line with the new minimum salary before the June 30, 2026 deadline, stressing that all Emiratis working in the private sector must earn at least AED6,000 ($1,635) per month by that date.

He added that several measures will be implemented against non-compliant establishments from July 1, 2026.

These include disqualifying citizens whose salaries remain below the new minimum wage from contributing to Emiratisation targets, as well as suspending new work permits for establishments that fail to comply until salaries are adjusted.

Al Khouri praised private sector employers for their commitment to Emiratisation targets and policies since their introduction.

He noted that this commitment has been strengthened by the Nafis programme, particularly its digital platform, which provides access to a wide pool of qualified Emirati talent, alongside incentives and benefits offered to establishments meeting their Emiratisation objectives.