The Emirados Árabes Unidos implemented a new rule that establishes a minimum wage of 6,000 dirhams per month for Emirati citizens employed in the private sector. The measure, announced by Ministério of Recursos Humanos and Emiratização (MoHRE), came into force on January 1, 2026 and represents an increase compared to the previous level. Empresas must meet the minimum immediately in new contracts and adjust existing salaries by June 30, 2026.
The policy applies exclusively to Emirati nationals and is part of the Emiratização strategy, which seeks to increase the participation of local citizens in the private job market. Empresas who fail to meet the deadline face penalties from July 1, 2026, including exclusion from Emiratização quotas and suspension of new work permits.
This change reinforces labor standards in the country, which historically does not have a universal minimum wage. The focus remains on attracting Emiratis into the private sector, where the majority of jobs are still held by expatriates.
Details of the new salary rule
The AED 6,000 salary requirement covers all new, renewed or amended employment contracts for Emiratis. Empresas need to update the salaries of current employees within the established deadline to avoid sanctions.
Penalties include the employee not being counted towards the Emiratização targets and the interruption of processes for hiring new foreign workers. Essas measures aim to ensure effective compliance with the policy throughout the territory of Emirados.
Context of Emiratização
Emiratização constitutes a strategic priority of the Emirados Árabes Unidos government to reduce dependence on foreign labor. The increase in the salary floor seeks to make the private sector more attractive to local citizens, who often prefer public jobs.
Programs like Nafis complement this initiative by offering additional incentives to companies that hire and retain Emiratis. The new rule reinforces these efforts by establishing a minimum competitive level.
Recommended Salary Guidelines
Although not mandatory, the MoHRE guidelines serve as a reference for different categories of workers in the Emirados Árabes Unidos. Elas help employers define appropriate remuneration in visa and contract processes.
- University graduates: recommended minimum salary of AED 12,000 per month.
- Qualified technicians with diploma: suggested floor of AED 7,000 per month.
- Workers with completed secondary education: reference of at least AED 5,000 per month.
These recommendations remain valid as benchmarks, especially for expatriates, who do not have a fixed legal minimum wage. The values reflect market standards in varied sectors.
Average salaries by sector
Salaries in Emirados Árabes Unidos vary depending on the sector of activity and the level of qualification required. Profissionais in areas of high demand receive wages higher than the national average.
- Informação technology: typical range of AED 12,000 to 45,000 monthly.
- Banking and Finanças: varies between AED 15,000 and 65,000 per month.
- Health: salaries from AED 8,000 to 60,000 monthly.
- Oil and Energia: salaries between AED 18,000 and 70,000.
- Construction and Engenharia: range from AED 10,000 to 50,000 monthly.
- Retail and Hospitalidade: amounts from AED 4,000 to 15,000 per month.
- Marketing and Publicidade: between AED 5,500 and 25,000 monthly.
- Logistics and Transporte: salaries from AED 9,000 to 30,000.
These ranges consider positions of different seniority and reflect market dynamics in 2026. Setores technological and financial sectors continue to offer the highest salary ranges.
Compensation by experience level
Career progression directly influences salaries in the Emirados Árabes Unidos. Profissionais with more experience access higher ranks in practically all sectors.
- Entry level or recent graduates: typical salaries of AED 8,000 to 12,000 monthly.
- Mid-level professionals: range from AED 15,000 to 25,000 per month.
- Senior positions: salaries between AED 28,000 and 45,000 monthly.
- Executive or director positions: amounts from AED 50,000 to 120,000 or more.
These averages cover both nationals and qualified expatriates. Especialistas in high demand niches often exceed these levels.
Salary variation by emirate
Remunerations differ between emirates, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the highest averages. Fatores how cost of living and concentration of companies influence these values.
- Abu Dhabi: approximate average of AED 21,000 monthly.
- Dubai: Typical range of AED 15,700 to 21,500 per month.
- Sharjah and Ajman: average salaries between AED 19,000 and 20,400 monthly.
Entry-level positions typically start between AED 8,000 and 12,000, while experienced professionals in growth sectors achieve AED 20,000 to 50,000 or more. Executivos in specialized areas may exceed AED 60,000 monthly.
Impact on private companies
Private sector companies need to adapt existing payroll systems and contracts to the new salary requirements for Emiratis. The adjustment covers both new hires and current employees within the established deadline.
The measure encourages the hiring of nationals by establishing a clear and competitive floor. Organizações who already meet higher standards face a simpler transition.
Differences for expatriates
Foreign workers do not have a mandatory minimum wage in the Emirados Árabes Unidos. Labor law only requires that remuneration be sufficient to meet basic needs, according to the individual contract.
Expatriate salaries vary widely by qualification, sector and experience. Recommended Benchmarks help with visa approvals but remain non-binding.
The distinction maintains the new rule’s focus on promoting jobs for local citizens. Expatriados continue to represent the majority of the private workforce.
Job market perspectives
The increase in the minimum wage for Emiratis reinforces the diversification of the Emirados Árabes Unidos economy. Empresas adjust recruitment strategies to meet Emiratização goals and avoid penalties.
National professionals gain greater attractiveness in the private sector with the guarantee of competitive minimum remuneration. The policy contributes to the gradual balance between local and foreign labor in the country.
