How the Nafis Program Helps UAE Companies Meet Emiratisation Targets in 2026
The UAE government’s Emiratisation initiative continues to reshape the private sector workforce, encouraging businesses to hire, develop, and retain Emirati talent. One of the most important programs supporting this national goal is the Nafis Program, which provides financial incentives, training opportunities, and employment support for UAE Nationals and private-sector employers.
For many businesses, understanding how Nafis works can make achieving Emiratisation targets easier, more affordable, and more sustainable. However, navigating recruitment, compliance requirements, and talent acquisition can still be challenging. This is where TXM Solutions helps organizations connect with qualified Emirati candidates, build effective Emiratisation strategies, and leverage programs such as Nafis to support long-term workforce growth.
In this guide, we explain what the Nafis Program is, how it supports Emiratisation, the benefits available to employers and Emiratis, and how businesses can use it to meet their workforce goals in 2026 and beyond.
What Is the Nafis Program?
Why Is Nafis Important for Emiratisation?
The UAE government requires eligible private-sector companies to meet Emiratisation targets by increasing the number of Emirati employees within their workforce.
Many companies face challenges such as:
- Finding qualified Emirati candidates
- Competing with public sector opportunities
- Managing recruitment costs
- Improving retention rates
The Nafis Program addresses these challenges through financial support and workforce development initiatives, making it easier for businesses to attract and retain Emirati talent.
Key Benefits of the Nafis Program
Access to Qualified Emirati Talent
Salary Support Scheme
Pension Contribution Program
One of the most valuable Nafis benefits is pension support.
Under this scheme:
- The UAE government contributes toward pension costs
- Employers benefit from reduced pension burden
- Emirati employees continue building retirement savings
This makes private-sector employment more attractive for UAE Nationals.
Workforce Development Programs
Training and Apprenticeship Programs
Nafis offers several career development initiatives designed to improve workforce readiness.
Programs include:
- Graduate training
- Apprenticeships
- Professional certification support
- Career coaching
- Skills development programs
- Internship opportunities
These programs help Emiratis build practical experience and improve employability.
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Who Is Eligible for the Nafis Program?
Minimum Salary Requirements Under Nafis
For Emiratis employed in the private sector, a minimum salary threshold applies.
The program currently requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000 for participating employees.
Employers should ensure compliance with all Nafis salary requirements before registering employees under the scheme.
How Nafis Supports Emiratisation Compliance
Meeting Emiratisation requirements is no longer simply a regulatory obligation. It has become an essential part of workforce planning for many UAE businesses.
The Nafis Program supports compliance by helping companies:
- Recruit qualified Emirati candidates
- Improve employee retention
- Reduce recruitment costs
- Build sustainable Emiratisation strategies
- Meet government employment targets
Businesses that actively leverage Nafis often find it easier to achieve their Emiratisation obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.
Benefits of Nafis for Employers
The Nafis Program provides significant advantages for UAE businesses.
Challenges Businesses Face with Emiratisation
Although Nafis provides valuable support, many employers still face challenges such as:
- Difficulty sourcing suitable Emirati candidates
- Limited knowledge of Emiratisation regulations
- Tight compliance deadlines
- High competition for skilled local talent
- Retention and career development concerns
These challenges often require a structured recruitment strategy and specialist guidance.
How TXM Solutions Supports Employers with Emiratisation and Nafis
At TXM Solutions, we help businesses build effective Emiratisation strategies by combining recruitment expertise with compliance knowledge.
Our Emiratisation services include:
- Emirati talent sourcing
- Candidate screening and shortlisting
- Recruitment process management
- Workforce planning support
- Emiratisation compliance guidance
- Ongoing hiring support
By combining Nafis opportunities with a structured recruitment strategy, companies can improve hiring outcomes while working toward their Emiratisation goals.
Conclusion
The Nafis Program helps UAE companies attract and retain Emirati talent while supporting their Emiratisation goals. By offering financial incentives and career development opportunities, it creates benefits for both employers and UAE Nationals.
If your company needs support with Emirati recruitment, TXM Solutions can help. Our team assists businesses in finding qualified Emirati candidates, meeting Emiratisation targets, and building a strong local workforce for long-term success.
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Kyle Almeida
Kyle Almeida is an HR Leader and workforce solutions professional at TXM Solutions, specialising in Employer of Record (EOR), recruitment, payroll, and business support services across the UAE. He helps international companies hire and manage employees compliantly while supporting smooth business expansion into the UAE market.
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