The UAE has confirmed a minimum wage increase to AED 6,000 for Emirati nationals working in the private sector, marking a significant step in strengthening Emiratization and wage parity between public and private employment.
The change, which will take effect in 2026, applies only to UAE nationals and does not introduce a minimum wage for expatriate workers, officials clarified.
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Minimum wage applies exclusively to Emirati employees
The UAE minimum wage increase 2026 sets a floor of AED 6,000 as the monthly salary for Emiratis employed in the private sector. This includes Emiratis hired under the Nafis programme, which aims to boost national participation in private companies.
Officials stressed that the AED 6,000 minimum wage does not apply to expatriates, addressing widespread confusion online about whether the UAE is introducing a universal minimum salary.
There remains no UAE labour law minimum wage for expats, and the long-standing policy of market-based salaries for foreign workers continues.
MoHRE issues clarification on salary structure
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the minimum threshold relates to the basic salary, not the combined total of allowances such as housing, transport or bonuses.
The ministry has instructed employers to ensure that Emirati salaries meet the new benchmark ahead of work permit renewal cycles in 2026.
Companies failing to comply risk penalties, including restrictions under the Wage Protection System (WPS) and possible delays in labour approvals.
Deadline set for employers to comply
Employers have been given a salary adjustment deadline of June 30, 2026, by which all eligible Emirati employees must be earning at least AED 6,000 per month.
MoHRE officials said compliance will be reviewed during:
- Work permit renewals
- Emiratisation audits
- Nafis subsidy assessments
Non-compliance could affect a company’s Emiratisation targets and eligibility for government support programmes.
No change to minimum wage for expatriates
Despite rising search interest around terms such as “minimum wage in Dubai for foreigners 2026” and “UAE minimum salary private sector”, authorities confirmed there is no minimum wage for non-Emiratis under the updated policy.
Expat salaries continue to vary based on:
- Job role and skill level
- Industry benchmarks
- Employment contracts
The distinction between unskilled labour vs. skilled labour remains unchanged, with pay determined by employer agreements rather than a statutory floor.
Part of broader Emiratisation strategy
The Emirati minimum wage 2026 is part of a wider push to make private-sector employment more attractive to UAE nationals, especially in comparison with public-sector roles.
Officials say the move supports long-term labour market stability while encouraging companies to invest in national talent without imposing wage controls on the broader workforce.
His Excellency Khalil Ibrahim Al Khouri, Undersecretary of Labour Market & Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, emphasized that the new wage hike falls under the broader Emiratisation strategy. He noted that the government has adopted a phased approach to raising private sector salaries for citizens.
Al Khouri explained that the strategy began with a baseline of AED 4,000. It subsequently rose to AED 5,000 and has now reached AED 6,000 per month, effective from the start of 2026.
What employees and employers should expect next
MoHRE said further guidance will be issued closer to implementation, including technical updates linked to:
- Salary reporting through WPS
- Nafis payroll integration
- Labour law compliance checks
The ministry urged employers to begin internal salary reviews well ahead of the deadline to avoid operational disruptions.
