MOHRE announced a higher minimum wage for Emiratis working in the private sector: AED 6,000 per month, effective 1 January 2026. The announcement also gives establishments that employed Emiratis before that date until 30 June 2026 to adjust salaries to the new minimum.

This is not only a payroll update. It affects Emiratisation counting, work-permit processing, contract amendments, and compliance planning. MOHRE's announcement states that the AED 6,000 minimum applies to new citizen work permits and permits being renewed or amended from 1 January 2026.

Employers should review every Emirati employee's MOHRE contract, current salary, WPS payment record, job title, permit status, and Emiratisation reporting position. If the employee was hired before 1 January 2026, the employer should document the salary adjustment before 30 June 2026. If the salary remains below the required level, MOHRE indicated that measures may apply from 1 July 2026, including impact on Emiratisation counting and suspension of new work permits until compliance is corrected.

Employees should keep a copy of the MOHRE contract, salary certificate, WPS records, bank statements, and any salary amendment correspondence. If there is a mismatch between the contract and the actual salary, legal advice may be needed before signing a new document.

This article should not state that every UAE worker has a national minimum wage. The 2026 update discussed here concerns Emirati citizens in the private sector.

If your company needs help reviewing Emirati salary compliance or employment-contract amendments, book a consultation before the 30 June 2026 deadline.

This article is general information only and does not replace legal advice.