Second set of ‘Projects of the 50’ - NAFIS

Launched on 12 September 2021, the second set of ‘Projects of the 50’ contains 13 initiatives to be implemented under a comprehensive federal programme called ‘NAFIS’, (meaning to compete in Arabic). It includes reforms and financial incentives to drive work opportunities for both, young and experienced Emiratis in the private sector. Government formed the ‘Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’ to develop a strategy to increase the competitiveness of Emirati human resources, empower them to occupy jobs in the private sector, and contribute to building the UAE’s economy. 

Second set of ‘Projects of the 50’ - NAFIS
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Launching the Second Phase of the Projects of the 50

On 12 September 2021, the Government of the United Arab Emirates launched the second phase of the projects of the 50, which included 13 projects under a main platform titled ’Nafis’. Nafis was launched as an integrated federal initiative to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati talent, enabling them to secure distinguished positions in private sector institutions across the country.

 

To implement the Nafis initiative, the Government of the United Arab Emirates allocated AED 24 billion to support the private sector in employing 170,000 citizens during the five-year period starting in 2021.

 

Nafis supports citizens’ salaries in the private sector and their contribution to pension. It provides special financial allowances for specialised professions, grants a children’s allowance, and runs programmes and plans to train and qualify national talent. Nafis also provides financial support to students enrolled in the National Healthcare Program.

 

The Nafis platform

The Nafis platform aims to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati talent and enable their active integration into the private sector. It also focuses on building sustainable partnerships between government and private sectors, enhancing the latter’s attractiveness among Emiratis. By providing financial support, training, and career guidance to Emirati youth, Nafis fosters the development of productive and sustainable human capital.

 

Nafis targets both male and female citizens seeking employment, as well as those already working in the private sector, free zones, and the financial and insurance sectors. The initiative entails a range of programmes such as Emirati Salary Support Scheme, Unemployment Benefit, Child Allowance Scheme, Pension Program, On-the-job Training Support, Apprentice Program Support, Career Counselling and more related to development and training.

 

Updates to Nafis Programme

The NAFIS programme has been extended until 2040, reflecting the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening Emiratisation and supporting the participation of UAE nationals in the private sector. The updates also introduce a range of new measures, including the removal of the cap on children’s allowances, as well as adding new support programmes for the children of Emirati mothers and the spouses of Emirati nationals working in the private sector,. These measures are aimed at enhancing family stability and enabling broader participation in the labour market.

 

Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC)

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) was established in 2021. The Council is responsible for implementing the government initiative “Nafis” which supports the employment of citizens in the private sector. It focuses on formulating and implementing long-term strategies to develop national human capital and provides innovative training and guidance programs that enhance citizens’ competitiveness in the labor market.
The ETCC focuses on sustainable employment, enhancing the private sector’s appeal for citizen job seekers, and fostering a flexible, future-ready work environment that adapts to global economic shifts.
Read the Federal Decree-Law on the Establishment and Regulation of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) (in Arabic).

 

Strategic Objectives of the Nafis Platform

The platform’s strategic objectives are based on a set of key pillars, most notably:

  • People at the center of development: Nafis reflects the vision of the wise leadership, placing the UAE’s citizens at the heart of the nation’s development.  The people of the UAE are its greatest asset and investing in the development of national workforce is a fundamental step in building the future.
  • From an initiative to an integrated system: Nafis has moved beyond being merely an employment platform to becoming a comprehensive national system that enhances the competitiveness of Emirati talent and enables them to compete regionally and globally.
  • Strengthening the national economy: UAE citizens are the primary drivers of the national economy, with their expanding presence in the private sector ensuring sustained growth and prosperity for years to come. 
  • A culture of excellence and recognition: The Nafis Award and perception change campaigns help in establishing a competitive  environment, motivating Emiratis to join the private sector and encouraging institutions to strengthen their Emiratisation efforts.
  • Societal change: Success stories and awareness campaigns have helped change the stereotypical image of the private sector and highlight it as a promising career option for Emirati youth.

 

Qualitative Initiatives

Among the most prominent of Nafis initiatives are:

  • Nafis Youth Council: This comprises a  group of distinguished young individuals working across various fields within the private sector. They represent the voice of the new generation and help achieve the objectives of Nafis by raising youth awareness and encouraging them to join the private sector.
  • Nafis Award: Honoring individuals and institutions distinguished in supporting Emiratisation and promoting a new culture based on competitiveness and excellence.
  • Perception Change Campaign: Awareness initiatives and inspiring success stories aim to chang perceptions of the private sector and strengthen its value as a  promising career path.
 

 

Initiatives and Programs

The Nafis Platform offers a comprehensive set of programs and initiatives designed to develop national talent and prepare them to participate across the private sector. Some of the notable programs and initiatives include: 

 

 

Outstanding Achievements

The past four years have seen remarkable progress in empowering national talent, significantly enhancing their private sector presence, driven by the Nafis initiatives. The following are the most notable achievements up to the end of December 2025:

  • The number of citizens working in the private sector increased from about 29,000 four years ago to more than 175,000 by the end of December 2025, a fivefold growth.
  • The number of private sector establishments employing citizens expanded from 7,000 to over 31,000 establishments.
  • The percentage of graduates joining the private sector rose from 15% to 58%.
  • The number of citizens registered with pension authorities and funds in the private sector increased by 245% between 2022 and 2025.
  • Child allowances were disbursed to more than 24,000 children from families benefiting from the Nafis initiative.
Read more on WAM and the Labour Market magazine of MoHRE (pages 9 to 13).
Updated on:

09 Apr 2026