Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The UAE has extended the Nafis programme until 2040. The announcement was made by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The initiative seeks to advance sustainable Emiratisation, empower national talent, and strengthen its role in the labour market as a key driver of the national economy.
The extension of the programme came under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
So far,176,000 Emiratis have been employed through the Nafis programme, with 152,000 currently working in the private sector. Among the total beneficiaries, 74 per cent are women; 38,000 individuals have been supported through the children’s allowance programme. Under Nafis, there is a strong focus on Emirati capabilities, with 32,000 companies employing national talent.
The announcement reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to sustaining Emiratization programmes, creating an attractive and stable work environment for Emirati citizens, and cementing their role as a key partner in the UAE’s comprehensive economic and social development journey.
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) Board of Directors approved a package of updates to the Nafis programme in alignment with the Year of Family 2026. Central to these updates is the expansion of the Children’s Allowance for Emirati beneficiaries, removing the previous cap on the number of eligible children, in line with the nation’s drive to empower the family as the cornerstone of society.
