Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced raising the minimum wage for citizens working in the private sector to 6,000 dirhams per month,
with the decision to be implemented starting from January 1, 2026.
This is part of efforts to support localization and promote sustainable employment in the labor market.
The ministry explained that the decision applies to new work permits for citizens,
as well as permits that are renewed or amended starting from the specified date.
It also allowed establishments that had hired citizens before January 1, 2026 to adjust their salaries.
Labor market operations and localization
This is in accordance with the new minimum, and it must be done before June 30, 2026.
Khalil Al Khoury, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources
and Emiratization for Labor Market Operations and Emiratization, confirmed,
Raising the minimum wage comes within the framework of the localization strategy,
which adopted a gradual approach to increasing wages.
The minimum started at 4,000 dirhams, then increased to 5,000 dirhams,
and will reach 6,000 dirhams starting in 2026.
He pointed out that this gradual approach takes into account
the average wages prevailing in the labor market and the nature of the jobs.
It also gives private sector establishments the time and flexibility to adapt to increases.
Al-Khoury called on private sector establishments to expedite the amendment
of citizens’ employment contracts before the deadline of June 30, 2026.
A package of procedures
He pointed out that all citizens working in the private sector must have
their salaries brought into line with the new minimum wage by this date.
He warned that the ministry would implement a package of measures
against non-compliant establishments starting from July 1, 2026.
This includes not counting citizens whose salaries have not been adjusted within the localization targets.
In addition to suspending the issuance of new work permits for the establishment
until compliance with the approved minimum.
Al-Khoury praised the commitment of private sector establishments
to localization policies and targets since their implementation.
He emphasized that the “Nafes” program played a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.
This is done through its online platform, which provides national talent ready to join the workforce.
This is in addition to the incentives and privileges that the ministry provides to compliant establishments.
