Nafis Programme Strengthens Emiratization Efforts with Extension Until 2040
Abu Dhabi: In a significant move to bolster Emiratization initiatives, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, announced the extension of the Nafis programme until 2040. This decision aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and underscores the leadership’s commitment to creating a stable and attractive work environment for Emirati citizens.
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) convened on April 6, 2026, at Qasr Al Watan to approve a series of updates to the Nafis programme. These updates are designed to coincide with the Year of Family 2026 and include the expansion of the Children’s Allowance for Emirati beneficiaries, eliminating the previous cap on the number of eligible children. This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to empowering families as the foundation of society.
Salary Support Initiatives
The updated Nafis programme introduces a salary support initiative for children of Emirati mothers employed in the private sector, as well as for wives of Emirati citizens working in the same sector. This reflects the leadership’s dedication to enhancing family stability and ensuring that all segments of society can actively participate in the labor market.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mansour also presided over the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Nafis Leadership Programme. This initiative, organized by the ETCC in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Programme at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, saw 25 graduates complete a comprehensive series of interactive workshops. These sessions, conducted both in person and virtually, involved direct engagement with leaders and specialists across various sectors, aimed at fostering innovation and equipping participants with contemporary workplace practices.
Commitment to National Talent Development
Sheikh Mansour emphasized the strategic importance of the Nafis programme as a national tool for advancing Emiratization. He stated that the extension of the programme is crucial for empowering national talent and preparing them to face future challenges. This initiative is expected to sustain the UAE’s economic and social progress while enhancing the nation’s competitiveness.
He further articulated a belief that people are the UAE’s greatest asset, highlighting the commitment to developing national talent and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The graduation of the second cohort of the Nafis Leadership Programme exemplifies the nation’s focus on investing in its citizens as the architects of its future.
Achievements and Future Directions
Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the ETCC, reported that since its inception in September 2021, the Nafis programme has surpassed its initial targets, employing over 176,000 Emirati nationals, with 152,000 active beneficiaries across 32,000 establishments as of March 2026. This achievement reflects the programme’s effectiveness in stabilizing Emirati citizens in the private sector and enhancing the competitiveness of national talent.
In terms of women’s empowerment, Emirati women represent 74% of total programme beneficiaries, while over 38,000 children have benefited from the Child Allowance Scheme. The programme has also expanded its geographic reach throughout the UAE.
On the training front, approximately 3,500 Emirati nationals have participated in the National Healthcare Programme, and around 7,700 have completed various training initiatives, including Kafa’at and Khebra. These efforts are part of Nafis’ ongoing commitment to align national talent with the evolving demands of the labor market.
The Nafis programme was initially launched with a five-year budget of AED 24 billion, aiming to place 170,000 Emirati nationals in private-sector jobs. It is part of the UAE Government’s second package of the Projects of the 50, a national initiative aimed at strengthening the economy and facilitating transformative development.
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Published on 2026-04-06 16:18:00 • By the Editorial Desk
