Nafis Programme Strengthens Emiratization Efforts with Extension to 2040

Abu Dhabi has announced the extension of the Nafis programme until 2040, following directives from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, made the announcement during a meeting of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) on April 6, 2026, at Qasr Al Watan.

This extension underscores the leadership’s commitment to enhancing Emiratization initiatives, fostering a stable work environment for Emirati citizens, and reinforcing their role in the UAE’s economic and social development.

Updates to the Nafis Programme

During the ETCC meeting, a series of updates to the Nafis programme were approved, aligning with the Year of Family 2026. A significant change includes the expansion of the Children’s Allowance for Emirati beneficiaries, which now removes the previous limit on the number of eligible children. This move is part of a broader strategy to empower families as foundational units of society.

Salary Support Initiatives

The updated package also introduces salary support for children of Emirati mothers employed in the private sector, as well as for wives of Emirati citizens working in the same sector. This initiative reflects the leadership’s dedication to enhancing family stability and enabling all societal segments to engage actively in the labor market.

In conjunction with these announcements, Sheikh Mansour presided over the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Nafis Leadership Programme, organized by the ETCC in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Programme at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

The 25 graduates participated in a comprehensive programme featuring interactive workshops, both in-person and virtual, which included direct engagement with leaders and specialists across various sectors. This initiative aims to foster innovation and equip participants with contemporary workplace practices.

Commitment to Emiratization

Sheikh Mansour emphasized the strategic importance of the Nafis programme as a national tool for advancing Emiratization. He stated that the extension is essential for empowering national talent and preparing them for future challenges, ensuring the sustainability of the UAE’s economic and social progress.

He noted that the programme is grounded in the belief that people are the nation’s greatest asset. The commitment to developing national talent and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence is seen as vital for the UAE’s standing among leading nations.

Graduation of Future Leaders

The graduation of the Nafis Leadership Programme’s second cohort is viewed as a significant milestone in the journey of national talent empowerment. This initiative reflects the nation’s dedication to investing in its people, preparing qualified Emirati leaders to contribute meaningfully to the private sector and the broader economy.

Sheikh Mansour highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts across government and private sectors to support national talent development. He reiterated the commitment to creating an innovative and agile work environment, fostering a culture of excellence, and investing in people as the cornerstone of the UAE’s development.

Achievements and Future Goals

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the ETCC, reported that since its launch in September 2021, the Nafis programme has surpassed its initial targets. The programme has successfully facilitated the employment of over 176,000 Emirati nationals, with 152,000 active beneficiaries working across 32,000 establishments as of March 2026.

These achievements highlight the programme’s effectiveness in stabilizing Emirati citizens in the private sector and enhancing the competitiveness of national talent, aligning with the nation’s priorities and future vision.

In terms of women’s empowerment, Emirati women represent 74% of total programme beneficiaries. Additionally, over 38,000 children have benefited from the Child Allowance Scheme, demonstrating the programme’s broad geographic reach across the UAE.

On the training front, approximately 3,500 Emirati nationals have participated in the National Healthcare Programme, while around 7,700 have completed various training initiatives, including Kafa’at and Khebra, as part of Nafis’ ongoing efforts to align national talent with the evolving labor market demands.

The Nafis programme was initiated in September 2021 with a budget of AED 24 billion, aiming to place 170,000 Emirati nationals in private-sector roles. It was introduced as part of the UAE Government’s Projects of the 50, a national initiative designed to strengthen the economy and facilitate transformative development in the UAE.

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-04-06 16:18:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk