Mansour bin Zayed extends Nafis programme until 2040

Enhancing family support and workforce participation

During a meeting of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council at Qasr Al Watan on April 6, 2026, a series of updates to Nafis were approved in line with the Year of Family 2026.

Key enhancements include expanding the Children’s Allowance by removing limits on the number of eligible children, introducing salary support for children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector, and providing support for wives of Emirati citizens employed in the private sector. These measures aim to strengthen family stability and encourage broader participation in the labour market.

Graduation of Nafis Leadership Programme

On the sidelines of the meeting, Sheikh Mansour presided over the graduation of the second cohort of the Nafis Leadership Programme, organised in collaboration with the UAE Government Leaders Programme.

A total of 25 participants completed advanced training through interactive workshops and engagement with industry experts, equipping them with skills to drive innovation and contribute effectively to the private sector.

Strategic vision for national talent

Sheikh Mansour highlighted that extending Nafis to 2040 reinforces its role as a cornerstone initiative for empowering Emirati talent and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, fostering innovation, and investing in people as the nation’s greatest asset.

Strong results and national impact

Since its launch in September 2021, Nafis has exceeded its targets, supporting the employment of over 176,000 Emiratis, with 152,000 actively working across 32,000 establishments.

Women make up 74% of beneficiaries, while more than 38,000 children have benefited from the Child Allowance Scheme. Thousands have also completed specialised training programmes, strengthening workforce readiness.

A cornerstone of UAE development

With a budget of AED 24 billion, Nafis was launched as part of the Projects of the 50 to boost private-sector employment among Emiratis. Its extension to 2040 reaffirms its role as a key national initiative driving talent development, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness.