Dubai and the UAE are changing private-sector pay rules. From January 1, 2026, Emirati workers in private companies must get at least AED 6,000 monthly, increased from the current AED 5,000. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced this new minimum wage. It applies to all new, renewed, and updated work permits for Emirati nationals. Companies must raise the wages of existing Emirati staff to meet this AED 6,000 minimum by June 30, 2026. If they fail, after July 1, 2026, they may lose benefits like Emiratisation quota privileges and face suspension of work permits. This rule affects only UAE citizens, not expatriate workers, who do not have a fixed national minimum wage. Wage levels for expats vary by job and skill. The UAE has no universal minimum wage law, but it sets salary guidelines for some job categories, such as AED 12,000 for university graduates and AED 7,000 for skilled technicians. The new AED 6,000 wage is part of a bigger plan called Emiratisation, aiming to increase Emirati participation in private jobs and ensure fair pay. Experts say employers will need to adjust payrolls and contracts to follow these rules. The UAE continues to discuss further labor reforms, possibly widening minimum wage rules in the future.