President raises salaries of Federal Government staff

The increases, to mark the UAE's 40th National Day, begin at 35 per cent of basic salaries and also include special bonuses.

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE President, today ordered increases in the salaries of all Emirati federal Government employees to mark the UAE's 40th National Day.

The pay raises, which begin at 35 per cent, will take effect in January, according to the state news agency, WAM. Employees in higher pay grades will get a 45 per cent salary increase. The decision also provides for a special bonus to the salaries of ministry undersecretaries and assistant undersecretaries.

Judicial authority employees will receive 100 per cent of their basic salaries as a "special bonus", while health and education ministry employees will receive 100 per cent of their basic salaries as a "technical bonus".

Some people who receive welfare from the Social Affairs Ministry will receive 20 per cent more in their allowances.

The decision is being met with excitement by Government employees.

“This is not the first time the President has surprised us with his generosity. It is not about the financial benefit, but about how the people of the country are taken care of," said Ali Mihad Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Ministry of Education.

“It will definitely affect the allowances to our teachers, who work so hard to educate the country’s future as well. Now we will work more diligently to surpass the expectations the President has of us.”

The President also ordered 2,500 plots of land to be allocated to Abu Dhabi citizens. The decision marked Sheikh Khalifa's commitment to providing suitable housing for Emiratis and guaranteeing social stability, according to WAM.

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