Pension Authority Commits to Financial Stability and Sustainability for Citizens

The UAE's General Pensions and Social Security Authority reported a major jump in membership during its latest board meeting, with insured members reaching 166,411 in August 2025 - a 16% increase from the same month last year. The number of participating employers also surged by 47.6% to 27,235, reflecting the success of the country's job localization push.

Mubarak Rashid Al Mansoori, chairman of the authority's board, said the growth shows how government policies are working to get more Emiratis into private sector jobs. The "Nafes" program, which incentivizes companies to hire local talent, has been particularly effective in expanding insurance coverage.

The authority has been working closely with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources to automatically register new insured members. This proactive approach has helped streamline the process and capture more workers in the system.

Pension payments are also climbing. The authority paid out 486 million dirhams in August 2025, up from 458 million dirhams in August 2024 - an increase of 28 million dirhams. The number of retirees grew by 952 people over the same period, bringing the total to 21,673.

Al Mansoori emphasized that the authority is focused on building financial sustainability through diversified investments and maintaining the cash flow needed to meet current and future obligations. The organization aims to provide high-quality services that help position the UAE government among the world's top five in service delivery.

The board reviewed several new initiatives during the meeting, including extended payment periods for service consolidation costs. This gives citizens more flexibility when combining different periods of service for pension calculations.

Digital transformation remains a key priority. The authority has been developing its "Maashi" platform to improve user experience and operational efficiency. These efforts align with broader government initiatives to eliminate bureaucracy and boost innovation in public services.

The strong membership growth reflects the UAE's broader economic strategy of reducing dependence on foreign workers while building a robust social safety net for citizens. As more Emiratis enter the private sector workforce, the pension system's coverage expands, creating a larger base of contributors to support long-term sustainability.