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Working in the UAE private sector? This Dh6,000 minimum wage rule kicks in this month

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4 months ago

January 2, 2026

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The UAE has announced a major change to salaries in the private sector, setting a new minimum wage of Dh6,000 for all Emiratis employed by private companies.

The update was published on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) smart app and later confirmed in an official statement on X. The new minimum wage came into effect on January 1, 2026, requiring employers across the country to adjust eligible salaries to meet the new threshold.

According to MoHRE, the Dh6,000 minimum wage will apply to all services related to issuing, renewing or amending citizen work permits. Employers will no longer be able to print or submit any citizen work permit application if the registered salary is below the mandated amount.

Companies have been given a grace period to comply. MoHRE said establishments have until June 30, 2026, to adjust salaries, with enforcement measures set to begin from July 1, 2026, for those that fail to comply.

If salaries remain below Dh6,000 after the deadline, several penalties may be imposed. These include excluding the Emirati employee from counting towards Emiratisation targets and placing restrictions on the company that prevent the issuance of new work permits until salaries are corrected.

Previously, the minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector was set at Dh5,000, making this a Dh1,000 increase aimed at strengthening job security and improving income levels for UAE nationals. MoHRE clarified that the revised wage applies only to citizen work permits with a two-year validity, whether newly issued, renewed or amended.

The ministry said employers will receive automated alerts via the MoHRE smart app and official service channels, reminding them of the updated requirement. The notification sent to companies clearly states that any application involving a salary below Dh6,000 will be blocked after January 1, 2026.

While the UAE has now set a minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector, there is still no legally defined minimum wage for non-Emirati workers. However, the UAE labour law stipulates that wages must be sufficient to meet employees’ basic needs.

The move is seen as part of wider efforts to strengthen Emiratisation, support nationals in the private sector and encourage long-term workforce stability across key industries.

Related Topics:Emiratisation MinimumWage mohre PrivateSector uae uaejobs uaelabourlaw UAEnews UAEWork

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

UAE residents invited to join public moon sighting in Dubai

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9 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai residents will have the chance to take part in a traditional moon sighting event this weekend as authorities prepare to confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar and the lead-up to Eid Al Adha.The

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department announced it will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail, with observations beginning at 5pm.

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent will determine the official start of the Hijri month and confirm the dates for Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Eid Al Adha holiday dates expected soon

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, then Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18.

Astronomers say this is currently the most likely scenario, which could also pave the way for a six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE.

The UAE’s official moon sighting committee will announce the final decision shortly after sunset, following observations from accredited observatories, field teams and public testimonies across the country.

Why the moon sighting matters

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, meaning the start of each month depends on the visibility of the crescent moon.

Sunday, May 17, marks the 29th day of Dhu Al Qa’dah, the 11th month in the Hijri calendar. The next month, Dhu Al Hijjah, includes the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have urged members of the public to participate in the event and experience one of Islam’s long-standing traditions firsthand.

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Dubai adds four new neighbourhoods to free Bus On Demand network

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10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Getting around Dubai just became easier and cheaper for commuters in some of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to four new areas: Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.

Even better, the service is currently being offered free of charge in the newly added zones as part of the latest rollout.

The app-based service allows residents to book small shared buses directly from their location to their destination, offering a flexible alternative to traditional public transport.

How Dubai Bus On Demand works

Using the Bus On Demand app, passengers can request a ride similar to booking a taxi, but at a much lower fare. The buses can carry up to 13 passengers and operate without fixed bus stops inside service zones.

The service now covers 15 Dubai neighbourhoods, including:

Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
Al Karama
Al Mankhool
Al Nahda
Al Qusais
Al Rigga
Al Warqa’a
Barsha Heights
Business Bay
DIFC
Dubai Academic City
Downtown Dubai
Dubai Investments Park
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Jumeirah Village Circle
Oud Metha
Port Saeed

Timings and fares

The service operates:

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
Friday: 5am to 1am
Sunday: 8am to midnight

Standard fares are:

Dhs5 per trip
Dhs4 for additional passengers on the same booking
Dhs7 for interzone travel
Dhs2 within Business Bay

Interzone routes available

Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring areas through six interzone routes:

Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
Al Rigga – Port Saeed
Al Karama – Oud Metha
Al Karama – Al Mankhool
Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City

News

UAE announces Eid Al Adha break for public sector

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has announced a week-long Eid Al Adha holiday for federal government employees, with public sector workers set to enjoy a five-day break later this month.

Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that holidays for federal entities will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29, with work resuming on Monday, June 1.

A separate announcement for private sector workers is expected soon from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Meanwhile, Dubai authorities will host a public moon-sighting event for the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail.

The event is being organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and will begin at 5pm, before sunset observations take place.

Astronomical calculations suggest Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27, although official confirmation will depend on the moon sighting.