Over 120,000 Emirati Private-Sector Workers Now Covered by UAE Pension System

Digital expansion fuels coverage growth

GPSSA attributed the rise to the expansion of its digital services, which are designed to ensure that Emiratis receive pension protection as soon as they start a job. The authority reported that social security coverage among eligible private-sector employees under its jurisdiction climbed from 88 per cent in 2022 to 98 per cent in 2025, and reached 100 per cent by June 2026.

The Ma’ashi digital platform and the UAE’s Work Bundle have been central to this effort. By linking pension registration with other employment-related government services, the system identifies eligible Emirati employees at the point they begin working, enabling registration for pension coverage without unnecessary delays.

Data sharing reduces paperwork

The platform connects to more than 44 government and private-sector entities, allowing employment information to be shared and verified through authorised systems. This reduces the need for employees and employers to repeatedly submit the same documents. Additionally, GPSSA uses the system to identify employees who have not been registered and to follow up on missing contributions.

GPSSA noted improvements across several performance metrics following the digital expansion. Pension contribution collection rose from 92 per cent in 2023 to 99 per cent. The digitisation of services increased from 47 per cent to 94 per cent, and customer satisfaction improved from 79 per cent to 91 per cent.

Retirement bundle in the pipeline

Hind Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Pensions Sector at GPSSA, said that the growing number of Emiratis entering the private sector has increased the authority’s responsibility to ensure they receive social security protection.

“Through Ma’ashi, the Work Bundle, stronger integration with relevant entities and continuous monitoring, we have improved our ability to identify eligible employees, address potential gaps and provide a more efficient experience for employers and insured members,” she explained.

GPSSA is also exploring the introduction of a Retirement Bundle, which would bring together several services to help Emiratis prepare for retirement. The proposed service could allow employees approaching retirement age to receive pension estimates, check their eligibility, and review their employment records before submitting retirement applications. It might also provide financial guidance and help resolve missing information that could delay pension payments.

The authority currently offers financial education through its Wafra programme, alongside advisory services that help members plan their finances and understand their pension benefits. GPSSA said the proposed Retirement Bundle would build on these services, making the transition from employment to retirement easier while helping Emiratis better understand their financial rights.