UAE pension registrations rise 13.6% as Emiratis insured reach 190,063

The General Pension and Social Security Authority processed 44,760 registration transactions between January and September 2026, with the private sector accounting for the majority.

The number of Emiratis registered under the UAE’s General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has increased by 13.6% year on year to 190,063, reflecting the growing coverage of the country’s pension system.

The authority processed 44,760 registration transactions between January and September 21, 2026, including new employee registrations, transfers between employers, employment reactivations and updates to existing records.

Of the total registered Emiratis, 111,281 are insured through the private sector, accounting for more than half of the workforce covered by GPSSA.

Private sector accounts for majority of transactions

The private sector accounted for 40,295 of the 44,760 registration transactions processed during the period. Local government recorded 2,664 transactions, while the federal government accounted for 1,801.

During the corresponding period in 2025, GPSSA processed 48,865 registration transactions, including 43,466 in the private sector.

The authority attributed improvements in the registration process to its digital services, which aim to simplify procedures for employers and employees and improve access to pension benefits for eligible Emiratis.

Hind Al Suwaidi, executive director of the Pensions Sector at GPSSA, said the authority is working to ensure Emiratis have access to long-term financial security, irrespective of whether they work in the public or private sector.

She added that pension benefits can encourage more Emiratis to pursue careers in private companies.

GPSSA currently works with more than 23,000 private sector employers and collaborates with the Nafis programme to support Emirati employment. While Nafis provides salary support and employment incentives, GPSSA focuses on securing pension coverage for eligible employees.

Employers must register eligible employees within 30 days

GPSSA has reminded employers that eligible Emirati employees must be registered in the pension system within 30 days of their official joining date.

To qualify, employees must be UAE nationals aged between 18 and 60 and meet the required medical fitness conditions.

The authority is also promoting financial awareness through its Wafra programme, which has trained 6,310 Emiratis since its launch. Delivered in cooperation with Jahiz and Nafis, the initiative aims to help participants develop their understanding of financial planning, investments and retirement preparation.

GPSSA said it would continue to enhance its digital services and work with employers to ensure eligible Emiratis receive pension protection throughout their careers.