UAE Nationals working in the public or private sector are enrolled in the General Pension & Social Security Authority (GPSSA)—a structured retirement system designed to ensure long-term financial stability through monthly pension benefits, instead of a one-time gratuity. 

💡Who is Covered by GPSSA?

UAE Nationals are eligible for GPSSA registration if they meet the following criteria:

• Age between 18 and 60 years

• Medically fit for employment

• Employed by a government or private organization registered with GPSSA

Employers are legally required to register eligible UAE National employees within 30 days of joining.

💡How Does the Contribution Work?

A total of 20% of the employee’s salary is contributed monthly to the pension fund, split among the employee, employer, and government (in private sector)

💡Pension vs Gratuity?

Unlike expatriates, UAE Nationals are not entitled to End of Service Gratuity. Instead, their monthly pension benefits are calculated and disbursed by GPSSA upon meeting retirement criteria. 

💡When is a UAE National Eligible for Pension? 

• Voluntary Retirement: After completing 20 years of service

• Mandatory Retirement Age: 60 years

• Early Retirement: Possible in specific cases based on service years and conditions

The longer the service duration, the higher the pension amount.

💡what will happen when switching Jobs Between Sectors?

If a UAE National moves between the private and public sectors, pension contributions remain valid and continuous. GPSSA combines service years across sectors to calculate the final pension. 

✅ Important Notes:

• GPSSA registration must be completed within 30 days of joining

• Employers must report changes in salary or job title

• Late or missed contributions may result in fines and penalties

Emiratisation is a strategic initiative by the UAE government to increase the participation of UAE Nationals in the workforce, particularly in the private sector. It’s more than a hiring quota—it’s about empowering citizens with sustainable career paths, professional development, and equal employment opportunities.  

💡What is Emiratisation?

• • • A national policy that prioritizes the employment of Emiratis, especially in private sector roles.

    • Encourages companies to build inclusive workplaces that nurture local talent.

    • Supported by multiple initiatives including Nafis, MOHRE programs, and financial incentives.

💡Who Needs to Comply? 

As of the latest updates:

• Private companies with 50 or more employees are required to hire a minimum number of UAE Nationals.

• Targets are based on the number of skilled employees in the company.

Note: Companies that fail to meet these targets face monthly fines for the unfilled position. 

💡Nafis – National Program for Talent Development

Nafis is the federal platform driving Emiratisation efforts, offering UAE Nationals a range of career and financial benefits: 

Key Nafis Programs:

• Salary Support

• Child Allowance

• Unemployment Benefits

• Professional Certifications

• On-the-job Training & Apprenticeships

UAE Nationals can register at www.nafis.gov.ae

💡How Does it Benefit Employers? 

Companies that actively support Emiratisation can access:

• Wage subsidies for newly hired Emiratis

• Training cost reimbursements

• Priority in government tenders

• Reputation as a compliant and responsible employer

💡Support & Resources for Emiratis

Career Guidance: Personalized mentorship and coaching services.

Job Portals: Nafis career platform, MOHRE, and private recruitment agencies.

Development Programs: National skill-building initiatives and graduate trainee roles in major companies.

CV Assistance & Interview Preparation: Available through government portals and Nafis partner organizations.

✅ Important Notes

• • • Emiratisation targets apply to skilled job roles only.

    • Employers must submit accurate data to MOHRE and update headcounts regularly.

    • UAE Nationals hired under Emiratisation must be provided with genuine, meaningful work—not token roles.

UAE Nationals working in the private sector are entitled to various types of leave as per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, just like expatriate employees. However, certain leave benefits may also be enhanced under Emiratisation initiatives or individual company policies. 

Unlike expatriates, UAE Nationals do not receive End of Service Gratuity. Instead, they are part of the GPSSA pension system, which provides a monthly pension after retirement or upon completing eligible service years. 

💡What Happens at the End of Employment?

When a UAE National resigns, retires, or is terminated, the employer must:

1. Notify GPSSA about the end of service

2. Submit final salary details and ensure all contributions are up to date

3. Process final settlements including pending salaries, unused leave encashment, etc.

4. Issue:

• Experience letter

• Service certificate

• End of service report (if required by GPSSA)

💡Important Notes for Employers

• Final salary and contribution data must match GPSSA records

• Delays or errors in finalizing data can result in penalties or delays in pension processing

• Any salary changes during employment must have been updated with GPSSA beforehand

• Disability or death cases must be reported with supporting documents for dependent pension claims

💡Key Documents Required by GPSSA for Finalization

• Final salary details

• End of service form

• Emirates ID and Passport copies

• Contribution summary (if transferring to another job)

• Official reason for end of service (resignation, termination, retirement, etc.)

💡What Should the Employee Do?

• Confirm all dues have been settled

• Ensure their GPSSA account reflects full contribution history

• For retirees, coordinate with GPSSA for pension commencement

• If transferring jobs, ensure the new employer completes GPSSA re-registration promptly

The UAE government offers several financial, social, and professional support programs beyond employment benefits to help citizens build a stable future. These are especially helpful for UAE Nationals working in the private sector, seeking career growth, or facing financial or personal challenges. 

💡Nafis Support Programs

• Salary Support

• Child Allowance

• Unemployment Support

• Retirement Contribution Support

• Training & Upskilling Programs 

💡Education & Professional Development

• Scholarships for higher education within and outside UAE

• Career coaching, resume building, and job search support via Nafis and MOHRE

💡Business & Entrepreneurship Support

Khalifa Fund for business Development offer:

• Low-interest loans

• Training and mentorship

• Business incubators