The UAE’s pension and social security rules are supporting the financial security of Emirati women, according to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). The authority highlighted the measures on 8 September 2026 as part of Emirati Women’s Month.
GPSSA said the pension framework supports women at different stages of their working and family lives. It also provides greater flexibility around retirement planning.
UAE pension system covers more than 133,000 Emirati women
GPSSA data for 2026 shows that 133,514 Emirati women are registered as insured individuals with the authority. These women work across both the government and private sectors.
In addition, 13,238 Emirati women are retirees receiving benefits from GPSSA. Another 16,717 women are registered as eligible beneficiaries. The authority also has 17 Emirati women registered under its Self Employment Scheme.
Hind Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Pensions Sector at GPSSA, said women’s financial security also affects families and communities.
“The impact of empowering women goes beyond simply highlighting their achievements; it is a direct investment in family stability and social cohesion,” Al Suwaidi said.
She added that stronger financial security for women can support the quality of life of their families and communities.
Pension rules support widows after loss of spouse
The UAE pension framework also provides income protection for widows. Under the rules highlighted by GPSSA, a widow can combine her employment salary or personal retirement pension with her eligible share of her deceased husband’s pension.
The provision aims to help protect household income after the loss of a family provider. Therefore, it can provide additional financial support during a major change in family circumstances.
Federal Law by Decree No. 57 of 2023 Concerning Pension and Social Security also changed how pension benefits are distributed among eligible family members.
Under the framework cited by GPSSA, the widow or widows receive 40 percent of the pension. Children collectively receive another 40 percent. The father, mother or both receive the remaining 20 percent.
Retirement rules offer support to working mothers
The pension legislation also includes provisions linked to the number of children. These rules can reduce the required subscription period and retirement age for eligible women.
Under the law, an insured married, divorced or widowed woman can qualify for a pension when she ends her service at her request. She must be 55 and have completed 30 years of subscription.
However, the legislation provides additional reductions based on the number of children. For a fifth and sixth child, the required subscription period can fall by two years. The retirement age can also fall by three years.
For a seventh child, the subscription period can fall by three and a half years. The retirement age can then fall by four years.
These provisions give eligible women more flexibility when planning retirement. They also recognise the need to balance employment with family responsibilities.
GPSSA highlights wider financial protection
GPSSA said the measures form part of a wider social protection framework for Emirati women. The framework covers women during their working years, retirement and beyond.
The authority said the provisions aim to provide sustainable financial protection. At the same time, they give Emirati women more options when managing careers, family responsibilities and long term financial planning.
The focus on pension protection comes as Emirati women continue to participate across the UAE labour market. GPSSA’s 2026 figures also show the scale of women’s participation among insured workers, retirees and beneficiaries.
For employers and HR leaders, the provisions form part of the wider employment and benefits framework affecting Emirati employees. They also highlight the role of pension policy in supporting financial security across different stages of working life.
