His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, announced today the approval of AED277 million ($75.42 million) in performance-based bonuses for civilian employees of Dubai Government entities. The bonus will be granted to qualifying employees based on specified criteria.
“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have approved AED277 million in performance-based bonuses for civilian employees of Dubai Government entities. To the Dubai Government team, your dedication and commitment have been key to Dubai’s success, constantly raising excellence in government service. We are confident that with your efforts, Dubai will continue to rise on the global stage,” Sheikh Hamdan tweeted.
Encouraging peak performance
This initiative comes as a culmination of the achievements the emirate has made over the past year, reflecting the efficiency of government performance and contributing to enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness while solidifying its position as one of the most advanced and innovative cities in the world. It also reaffirms leadership’s appreciation for government employees as key contributors to these successes.
Sheikh Hamdan said this initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his commitment to fostering talent and encouraging peak performance. This enhances productivity and quality, driving Dubai’s growth while solidifying its status as the world’s top destination for work and living, with the government dedicated to providing a thriving work environment and launching initiatives that inspire creativity and innovation.
The initiative also reflects the Dubai government’s continuous efforts to enhance performance excellence, strengthening its position among the world’s top and most successful governments, renowned for its efficiency in public services and institutional performance, and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a pioneering, leading, and innovative government.
In 2023, Sheikh Hamdan approved the distribution of performance-based bonuses totaling AED152 million to civilian employees of Dubai Government entities. The bonuses, subject to Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Law No. (8) of 2018, were granted to eligible civilian employees based on the criteria set by the DGHR.
75 percent of UAE residents expect a bonus in 2025
A recent survey revealed that 75 percent of UAE residents expect to receive a bonus in 2025, marking a notable increase from 68 percent in the previous year. According to the YouGov survey commissioned by Zurich International Life, 68 percent of residents plan to save at least a portion of their bonus as part of their long-term financial strategy, indicating increased financial awareness across the emirate.
Meanwhile, 31 percent plan to spend at least some of their bonuses. A breakthrough trend emerged this year with the survey showing that 27 percent of people plan on investing in building skills like AI. This reflects a trend of prioritizing financial security while valuing enjoyment and personal growth, fostering a balanced financial mindset nationwide.
Read: Moody’s affirms UAE’s Aa2 rating citing strong economic diversification momentum
The study also highlights a remarkable shift in saving habits across different age groups where 31 percent of Gen Z plan to save their entire bonus, 63 percent of Millennials intend to save all or most of their bonus, and 52 percent of those aged 45 and above aim to save most rather than all of their bonus.
