The number of Emiratis registered with the UAE’s General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) rose 13.6% year on year to 190,063, signalling wider pension coverage among UAE nationals.
The authority processed 44,760 registration transactions between January and September 2026. These included new employee registrations, employer transfers, employment reactivations and updates to existing records.
The private sector accounted for 111,281 insured Emiratis. This represents more than half of the nationals covered by the authority and highlights the role of private employers in extending pension protection.
UAE private sector accounts for most GPSSA registrations
Private sector employers accounted for 40,295 of the 44,760 registration transactions recorded during the first nine months of 2026. Local government contributed 2,664 transactions, while the federal government recorded 1,801.
However, the total number of transactions declined from the same period in 2025. GPSSA processed 48,865 transactions between January and September last year, including 43,466 in the private sector.
The figures distinguish registration activity from the total number of insured Emiratis. While the authority reported annual growth in its registered population, it processed fewer registration transactions than in the corresponding period last year.
GPSSA attributed improvements in the registration process to its digital services. These services aim to simplify procedures for employers and employees while improving access to pension benefits.
GPSSA links pension coverage to Emirati private sector employment
Hind Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Pensions Sector at GPSSA, said the authority aims to provide Emiratis with long-term financial security across public and private sector careers.
She also noted that pension benefits can encourage more UAE nationals to pursue employment with private companies.
GPSSA works with more than 23,000 private sector employers and collaborates with the Nafis programme to support Emirati employment.
The two initiatives serve different purposes. Nafis offers salary support and employment incentives, while GPSSA provides pension coverage for eligible employees.
Together, these measures support the UAE’s efforts to increase Emirati participation in the private sector. They also give employers a role in ensuring that eligible national employees receive the required social protection.
UAE employers must register eligible Emiratis within 30 days
GPSSA has reminded employers to register eligible Emirati employees in the pension system within 30 days of their official joining date.
To qualify, employees must be UAE nationals aged between 18 and 60. They must also meet the applicable medical fitness requirements.
For employers, timely registration is an important part of workforce administration and pension compliance. Companies hiring UAE nationals must account for these requirements when onboarding employees.
GPSSA Wafra programme promotes retirement and financial planning
Alongside pension registration, GPSSA is promoting financial awareness through its Wafra programme. The initiative has trained 6,310 Emiratis since its launch.
Delivered in cooperation with Jahiz and Nafis, Wafra helps participants build their knowledge of financial planning, investments and retirement preparation.
The programme complements formal pension coverage by encouraging individuals to understand their long-term financial needs. This is particularly relevant as more Emiratis pursue careers across different sectors.
GPSSA said it would continue to improve its digital services and work with employers to ensure eligible Emiratis receive pension protection throughout their careers.
The increase in insured Emiratis highlights the growing reach of the UAE’s pension system. At the same time, employers remain central to ensuring that eligible employees receive coverage on time.
