The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, working in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments, has introduced a major digital upgrade to the national Wage Protection System.
This modernized framework replaces paperwork and physical visits to financial institutions with direct digital integration, allowing instant wage processing and automated employer onboarding through systems linked directly to the ministry.
Built on a secure Application Programming Interface architecture, the upgraded platform enables real-time data exchanges between government systems and participating financial entities to improve payment accuracy and trace payroll history.
Operating as the national payment entity under CBUAE, Al Etihad Payments manages the platform’s central infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and reduce operational friction for private sector employers.
Following its initial upgrade phase in December 2025, the WPS has expanded its capability beyond basic regulatory compliance, shifting toward an all-inclusive digital financial ecosystem for labor transactions. The Wage Protection System (WPS) has undergone significant transformations, going beyond ensuring compliance to focusing on building an all-inclusive experience that makes adherence to the system a seamless part of the customer journey, following its December 2025 upgrade. Stay up to date with the latest news.
Seven new financial entities have joined the system’s ongoing rollout, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Ajman Bank, Lari Exchange, and First Gulf Exchange Centre. Man protests at Kerala airport after customs seizes iPhone 18 Pro bought from Dubai. Dubai Run, 2 new Etihad Rail stations: 8 things residents can expect in November.
With these additions, the total number of participating financial partners has reached 17, expanding access across the country’s business landscape. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
The Wage Protection System currently covers more than 99 percent of private-sector workers in the UAE, handling an average monthly transfer volume of Dh37 billion. For workers, the intended outcome is more reliable wage processing and stronger transparency around payments. Reporting average monthly transfers of Dh37 billion, which reflects the system’s reliability and role in enhancing stability and transpar, the Wage Protection System covers more than 99 per cent of private-sector workers.
Dalal Alshehhi, MoHRE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, emphasized that the system has transformed from a wage-tracking mechanism into a comprehensive financial model supporting national employment stability.
Ministry officials confirmed that the digital payroll initiative aligns with the Zero Government Bureaucracy strategy and the overarching ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, promoting broader financial inclusion and digital governance. According to saudi official, Tehran security talks with officials from Turkey, Pakistan, Iran today. According to iran security chief, ‘very good discussions’ held with Mecca pact countries. Saudi-led coalition intercepts 3 missiles, 4 drones launched by Houthis. SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories.
