The UAE government has announced a new minimum wage of Dh6,000 for Emirati employees in the private sector, starting January 1, 2026. This rule, set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), aims to boost Emiratisation and job security for nationals outside the public sector. Any work permit application listing a salary below Dh6,000 will not be processed from 2026 onward. Employers must meet this wage floor to issue, renew, or amend Emirati work permits. The ministry will notify employers via its smart app and other channels to adjust salaries accordingly. Employers have until June 30, 2026, to make salary corrections. After that, failing to comply will exclude the employee from Emiratisation counts and block the employer from getting new work permits tied to Emirati salaries below Dh6,000. The rule applies only to Emirati work permits with a two-year validity, including new, renewed, or amended permits. This move follows earlier wage rules requiring a Dh5,000 minimum salary from January 1, 2025. Non-compliance then meant exclusion from Emiratisation targets and consequences for issuing work permits. Now, the UAE is raising the bar further to support national employment and fair pay standards.