Dubai Sets AED 6,000 Minimum Wage for Emiratis in 2026

Dubai and the UAE have introduced a new minimum salary rule for Emirati citizens working in the private sector. This step is part of the government’s larger plan to improve labour standards and encourage more UAE nationals to work in private companies (Emiratisation).

What has changed?

Earlier, the UAE did not have an official minimum wage for most jobs. Now, the government has set a mandatory minimum salary for Emirati employees in private companies. From 1 January 2026, all Emirati citizens working in the private sector must be paid at least AED 6,000 per month. This is an increase from the earlier minimum of AED 5,000.

This rule has been announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Who does this rule apply to?

It applies only to Emirati nationals, not expatriate (foreign) workers.

It covers:

• New work permits
• Renewed work permits
• Amended work permits

Employers cannot apply for a work permit for an Emirati employee if the salary is below AED 6,000.

What about current Emirati employees?

Companies must increase the salaries of existing Emirati staff to AED 6,000 by 30 June 2026.

If a company does not follow the rule:

• From 1 July 2026, penalties may apply
• Companies may be:
  • Removed from Emiratisation quotas
  • Blocked from getting new work permits

This shows the government is serious about enforcing the policy.

Does this affect expatriate workers?

No. There is still no fixed minimum wage for expatriate workers in Dubai or the UAE.

Foreign workers’ salaries depend on:

• Industry
• Skills
• Experience
• Employment contract

UAE labour law only says that wages should be enough to meet basic living needs, but there is no legally fixed minimum amount for expats.

Salary guidelines commonly used in the UAE

Although not legally binding, many employers follow these recommended salary benchmarks:

• University graduates: AED 12,000 per month
• Skilled technicians (diploma holders): AED 7,000 per month
• Skilled workers with school certificates: AED 5,000 per month
• Emirati nationals (private sector):
  • Minimum AED 6,000 from 1 January 2026 (mandatory)

Earlier salary ranges mentioned in reports were guidelines only, not legal minimum wages.

Average monthly salaries in Dubai (2025–26)

By industry (approximate ranges)

• IT & Technology: AED 12,000 – 45,000
• Banking & Finance: AED 15,000 – 65,000
• Healthcare: AED 8,000 – 60,000
• Oil & Energy: AED 18,000 – 70,000
• Construction & Engineering: AED 10,000 – 50,000
• Retail & Hospitality: AED 4,000 – 15,000
• Marketing & Advertising: AED 5,500 – 25,000
• Logistics & Transport: AED 9,000 – 30,000

High-demand roles like AI, cloud, finance leadership, doctors, engineers, and project managers earn more.

Salaries by experience level

• Freshers / Entry-level: AED 8,000 – 12,000
• Mid-level professionals: AED 15,000 – 25,000
• Senior professionals: AED 28,000 – 45,000
• Executives / Directors: AED 50,000 – 120,000

Some low-skill jobs, especially in retail, services, or construction, may pay AED 3,000 – 6,000, mainly for expatriate workers.

Average salaries by city

• Abu Dhabi: ~AED 21,000
• Dubai: AED 15,700 – 21,500
• Sharjah / Ajman: AED 19,000 – 20,400

Why this policy matters

Experts say this move:

• Supports Emiratisation
• Ensures fair and competitive pay for UAE citizens
• Pushes companies to update payroll systems and contracts

While the UAE still does not have a universal minimum wage for everyone, this change is an important step. More labour reforms, including possible wider minimum wage rules, may be discussed in the future as the UAE continues to modernise its labour laws.