Nafis Programme Extended to 2040 Enhancing Emirati Workforce

In alignment with the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has declared a significant extension of its renowned Nafis programme, now running until 2040. This pivotal decision was announced by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The extension signifies the UAE leadership's commitment to solidifying Emiratization efforts, ensuring workforce continuity, and empowering Emiratis in their contribution to the economic and social landscape of the nation.

Key Updates Unveiled

This decision was reached during a board meeting of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council held at Qasr Al Watan on April 6, 2026.

A range of significant amendments to the Nafis programme were sanctioned, which include:

• Expansion of the Children’s Allowance, which now has no restrictions on the number of eligible children

• A new salary support initiative designed for:

  • Children of Emirati mothers employed in the private sector

  • Wives of Emirati citizens working in the private sector

These initiatives are in sync with the UAE's Year of Family 2026, highlighting the country’s resolve to enhance family stability and foster social unity.

Emphasis on Talent Development

During the meeting, Sheikh Mansour also oversaw the graduation of the second group from the Nafis Leadership Programme.

This cohort of 25 Emirati individuals completed intensive training through workshops and direct interactions with industry leaders. The programme is designed to cultivate innovation, leadership acumen, and readiness for contemporary workplace demands.

Vision for Leadership

Sheikh Mansour asserted that the prolongation of the Nafis programme to 2040 will:

• Enhance the competitiveness of the national workforce

• Promote collaboration between public and private sectors

• Create a stable and dynamic employment landscape

He emphasized that prioritizing people remains paramount for the UAE, declaring human capital as the nation's most valuable resource.

Impressive Outcomes Since Initiation

Since its inception in September 2021, the Nafis programme has reached remarkable achievements:

• More than 176,000 Emiratis have found employment

• Approximately 152,000 active beneficiaries spanning 32,000 companies

• Target goals were surpassed ahead of time

Empowerment of Women and Families

• Women account for 74% of the total beneficiaries

• Over 38,000 children benefited from financial support

These statistics highlight the programme's significant influence on workforce inclusion and family welfare.

Training and Skill Building

The programme has also provided extensive training prospects:

• 3,500+ participants engaged in the National Healthcare Programme

• 7,700+ beneficiaries took part in Kafa’at, Khebra, and various employment training initiatives

These initiatives aim to furnish Emirati talent with the essential skills needed to meet the demands of the evolving labor market.

Initiated in 2021 with a budget of AED 24 billion under the UAE's “Projects of the 50” initiative, the Nafis programme aims to place 170,000 Emiratis in private-sector roles, a target that has already been exceeded.