UAE pays out AED512 million under unemployment insurance scheme

The UAE's Unemployment Insurance Scheme has paid out over AED512 million in total to workers who lost their jobs between 2024 and the first half of 2026.

That's according to the new data revealed by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Tuesday.

It added that the Workers Protection Programme disbursed more than AED320 million by the first half of 2026, benefitting over 44,000 workers who each received an average payout of approximately AED7,000. 

Both schemes are part of the UAE's Social Protection System aimed at strengthening the protection of workers’ financial entitlements and enhance their awareness.

The ministry added that all targeted workers completed the awareness programmes, which are provided in 17 languages, while over 1.3 million workers benefited from specialised awareness programmes.

It also highlighted the efficiency of the annual mid-day break for workers between June 15 and September 15 through regular field and digital inspections. 

Dalal Alshehhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at the Ministry, noted that the results reflects how the initiatives and programmes have reinforced the UAE’s position as a pioneer and role model in protecting workers’ rights.