Quick Answer
Nafis is the UAE federal programme that supports Emiratisation — salary top-ups paid to Emirati private-sector employees, child allowances, training support, and pension contributions.
Nafis (Arabic for 'compete') is the brand of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, the federal body coordinating Emiratisation incentives. It runs alongside MOHRE's compliance side: MOHRE enforces quotas, Nafis pays for them.
The biggest Nafis incentive is salary support. From September 2026, Nafis's Emirati Salary Support Scheme publishes fixed amounts by qualification — AED 6,000 (bachelor's degree), AED 5,000 (diploma or accredited professional certification), AED 4,000 (high school), and AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 below high school — for Emiratis earning AED 6,000–20,000 a month. In addition, the Children's Allowance pays AED 600 per eligible child per month, with no cap on the number of children from September 2026, for salaries of AED 6,000–50,000; Nafis also supports pension contributions.
To claim Nafis, the employer must be registered on the Nafis portal, the employee must be a UAE national on a registered contract paid through WPS, and the role must be classified as one of MOHRE's skilled categories. ZETUP PRO assists clients with Nafis registration and monthly subsidy claims.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nafis?
Nafis is the UAE federal programme that funds Emiratisation — salary top-ups paid to Emirati employees in the private sector, child allowances, training support, and pension contributions.
How much is the Nafis salary subsidy?
From September 2026, Nafis's Emirati Salary Support Scheme publishes fixed amounts by qualification — AED 6,000 (bachelor's degree), AED 5,000 (diploma or accredited professional certification), AED 4,000 (high school), and AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 below high school — for Emiratis earning AED 6,000–20,000 a month.
What is the difference between Nafis and MOHRE on Emiratisation?
MOHRE enforces the Emiratisation quotas; Nafis pays the incentives that make hiring Emiratis financially attractive.
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