The United Arab Emirates has announced a significant hike in the minimum wage requirement for its citizens employed in the private sector, marking a major step in its national employment drive. From the start of 2026, private companies across the Emirates must pay Emirati staff at least Dh6,000 per month or face severe penalties, including a block on new work permits.
New Wage Floor Aims to Boost Emiratisation
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) declared the new rule, which will be effective from January 1, 2026. This policy is designed to strengthen Emiratisation outcomes—the national programme to increase citizen participation in the workforce—and to enhance job stability for nationals working outside the government sector. The announcement was first made via the ministry's smart application on December 27.
The updated minimum wage will be applicable to all private sector procedures involving the issuance, renewal, or amendment of work permits for Emirati employees. This move follows a previous mandate that required a minimum salary of Dh5,000 for Emiratis hired from January 1, 2025.
Strict Enforcement and Compliance Deadlines
Starting January 1, 2026, the MoHRE's systems will automatically reject any application for an Emirati work permit where the listed salary is below the Dh6,000 threshold. Employers will be unable to print or submit applications for permits if the registered salary does not meet the new standard.
The ministry will send automated alerts through its service channels to notify employers of this requirement. Companies will be prompted to adjust salaries to ensure compliance before their applications can proceed. A grace period has been provided, with June 30, 2026, set as the final deadline for employers to correct any salaries that are below the new minimum.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
If an Emirati employee's salary is not updated to meet the Dh6,000 floor by the June 30 deadline, strict enforcement measures will be triggered from July 1, 2026. The consequences for companies are twofold and significant:
- The affected Emirati employee will be excluded from the company's Emiratisation quota calculations until the salary is corrected.
- The establishment will face a restriction blocking the issuance of any new work permits, due to the violation of paying an Emirati below the mandated wage.
MoHRE clarified that the Dh6,000 rule applies specifically to Emirati work permits with a standard two-year validity, whether they are new, being renewed, or amended. This tightening of wage enforcement underscores the UAE government's commitment to ensuring meaningful and well-compensated employment opportunities for its citizens in the private sector economy.
