The UAE has extended pension coverage to Emirati employees working part-time in government and private sector entities, as the country adapts its social security framework to more flexible working arrangements.
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) said the move covers eligible UAE nationals working between eight and 32 hours a week. This is equivalent to between 20% and 80% of standard full-time working hours.
The framework also applies to employees working between one and four days a week.
GPSSA pension coverage for part-time Emirati employees
Under the framework, eligible part-time Emirati employees will be registered in the GPSSA pension system.
However, their service period and pension benefits will not be calculated in the same way as those of full-time employees. Instead, GPSSA will calculate both proportionately, based on actual working hours and the approved contribution salary during each applicable period.
The change expands social security coverage as more employees and employers adopt flexible, remote and hybrid work models.
Employers must register eligible part-time employees
GPSSA said employers are responsible for registering eligible Emirati part-time employees in the pension system.
In addition, employers must update employee records through the Ma’ashi platform when an insured Emirati employee moves from a full-time to a part-time contract.
Therefore, employers will play a central role in ensuring that employees continue to receive the appropriate pension coverage when their employment arrangements change.
UAE pension benefits to continue across full-time and part-time roles
The authority said the framework supports continuity of service for Emirati employees who move between full-time and part-time work.
As a result, employees can take up more flexible work arrangements without completely stepping outside the country’s social security system.
GPSSA also said broader social security coverage gives insured individuals greater flexibility to manage professional and personal responsibilities.
This could include continuing education, family care or other commitments that may make full-time employment difficult.
Flexible work gains wider support under UAE social security framework
The decision comes as flexible employment becomes a more prominent part of the UAE labour market.
By extending pension coverage to eligible part-time Emirati employees, the framework links social security benefits more closely with changing employment patterns.
At the same time, the proportional calculation of service periods and pension benefits reflects the actual hours worked and the employee’s approved contribution salary.
The move could therefore provide greater flexibility for UAE nationals who choose part-time employment while maintaining continuity within the pension system.
