More than 190,000 Emiratis registered under UAE pension system, up 13.6 per cent

The number of Emiratis registered under the UAE's pension system has surged to 190,063, representing a 13.6% rise compared to the previous year, according to figures released by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). Between January and September 2026, the authority processed 44,760 registration transactions, encompassing new employee registrations, employer transfers, reactivations of employment, and updates to existing records.

Notably, 111,281 Emiratis are insured in the private sector, constituting over half of the total workforce registered under GPSSA. In terms of transaction volume, 40,295 of the processed registrations this year were within the private sector, followed by 2,664 in the local government and 1,801 in the federal government.

GPSSA's Executive Director, Hind Al Suwaidi, emphasized the authority's commitment to providing long-term financial security for Emiratis, regardless of whether they work in the government or private sector. She noted that pension benefits play a crucial role in encouraging more Emiratis to pursue careers in private companies. The authority collaborates with over 23,000 private sector employers and continues its partnership with the Nafis programme to support Emirati employment.

Employers are reminded that they must register eligible Emirati employees within 30 days of their official starting date, provided the employee is a UAE national aged between 18 and 60 with the necessary medical fitness. Additionally, GPSSA highlighted its Wafra financial awareness programme, which has trained 6,310 Emiratis since its launch, focusing on financial planning, investments, and retirement preparation.

The authority aims to enhance its digital services and collaborate further with employers to ensure all eligible Emiratis receive pension protection throughout their careers.