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UAE Expands Upgraded Wage Protection System With Instant Digital Salary Payments

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, alongside the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments, expanded the upgraded Wage Protection System. Seven additional financial institutions joined the network, bringing the total to 17 partner institutions offering paperless payroll via secure APIs.

Issuing authority
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 28, 2026
Effective date
October 28, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
civl.com
CiVL logo in teal typography on a dark gray background
Photo: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in coordination with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments, has expanded the upgraded Wage Protection System (WPS) to enhance corporate payroll operations across the country.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), seven additional commercial lenders and exchange houses formally joined the upgraded network on October 28, 2026, bringing the total number of partner institutions to 17. Participating institutions include First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Mashreq Bank.

The upgraded system leverages secure APIs to enable direct, paperless salary disbursements while removing the requirement for employers to complete in-person bank registrations.

The Wage Protection System currently monitors wage transfers for over 99 percent of the private-sector workforce in the UAE, with monthly salary disbursements averaging approximately AED 37 billion.

Sources

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