UAE social security payments hit $1.81bn as GPSSA posts strong 2025 performance
The UAE pension system recorded strong momentum in 2025, with increased participation, expanded digital services and higher social security payments underlining the growing trust in the country’s social security network.
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) said it has delivered strong performance by 2025, strengthening the UAE’s pension system and developing a sustainable social safety net through digital innovation, service excellence and expanded coverage.
By the end of 2025, the number of insured Emiratis has increased to 181,447, an increase of 24.3 percent compared to 2024. The GPSSA said the increase reflected labor market growth and increased confidence in the pension system, supported by improved enrollment procedures and improved efficiency.
UAE pensions
The number of pensioners and beneficiaries increased to 50,252, from 47,294 last year. A total of 155 Emiratis have also benefited from the Extended Insurance Protection Program for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens working outside their home countries.
Faras Al-Ramahi, Director-General of GPSSA, said the authority is focused in 2025 on strengthening trust in the public security system through improved digital infrastructure, simplified processes and collaboration aimed at reducing bureaucracy.
GPSSA estimates showed total social security payments of AED6.65 billion ($1.81bn) by 2025. This included AED5.02 billion ($1.37bn) in pension payments and AED1.56 billion ($425m) in severance payments.
Compensation for disability, death and work-related injuries reached AED2.63m ($716,000), while payments to workers with over 35 years of service totaled AED54.96m ($15m).
Digital services
The Ma’ashi digital platform, launched in October 2024, provided 30 services and processed 277,087 transactions in 2025, reaching a 95 percent completion rate on time. Digital users rose to 255,000, while visits to the platform reached 5.46m in December 2025.
Under the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Initiative, GPSSA has simplified eight key service processes and implemented 23 electronic data integrations with the government and private sector.
Customer satisfaction reached 85 percent by December 2025, a 16-point increase year-on-year, supported by increased automation, improved call center operations and improved digital access.
GPSSA has introduced extended payment plans of up to 10 years of cumulative service, allowing policyholders to maximize retirement benefits. It also expanded the “Wafra” Proactive Financial Planning Program, with more than 6,500 participants by the end of 2025.
During the year, the authority established more than seven strategic partnerships and exempted more than 1,900 small private sector employers from additional fees related to registration delays, reducing compliance burdens.
GPSSA has also partnered with Core42, a G42 company, to develop an advanced data and artificial intelligence platform to support decision-making and service efficiency.
In 2025, GPSSA received recognition from the UAE Cyber Security Council and received four ISO certifications covering innovation management, business continuity, information security and IT service management.
