As summer draws to close, the UAE’s end-of-service benefits (EOSB) market is gearing up for a very active fourth quarter. Now approaching its second anniversary, the UAE’s EOSB Savings Scheme is gaining momentum, with several new institutions playing a key role in its development.
Pensions Monitor recently spoke with Mr. Musa Haddad, Head of Fund Management at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), one of the largest banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and an approved Fund Manager for the scheme. Mr. Haddad shared valuable insights into FAB’s offering, and future plans. For employers and HR professionals across the UAE, this is a must-read.
A model public-private collaboration, led by FAB and MOHRE
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Haddad said that FAB has been at the forefront of a coordinated, nationwide initiative to raise awareness and drive adoption of the EOSB Scheme. The bank has been working closely with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and has supported a series of targeted employer workshops, which are a rare and powerful form of public-private partnership that has set a new benchmark for collaboration and transparency in the UAE.
He added that the initial market response to the EOSB scheme has been promising, especially among large institutions seeking operational efficiency and long-term cost management. Mr. Haddad believes the scheme’s inflection point is fast approaching, especially as private sector adoption increases and the scheme moves toward mandatory implementation.
A compelling value proposition for all stakeholders
For employers, Mr. Haddad says, FAB’s EOSB solution offers a cost-effective, compliant, and forward-looking approach to managing EOSB liabilities. It also helps companies attract, retain, and reward high-performing employees without relying solely on salary increases. We explained four smart ways for HRs to use the scheme in a previous article.
For employees, the platform provides security, transparency, and the opportunity to grow their EOSB savings through access to low-cost institutional investments and voluntary contributions. Funds remain accessible even after employment ends, supporting long-term financial security and making the UAE an increasingly attractive destination for professionals looking to build a future in the UAE, especially with incentives like the Golden Visa.
We will share further insights on Golden Visa for EOSB savers in an upcoming article. Stay tuned!
At the national level, the scheme aligns with international labour standards, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a progressive, globally competitive financial and employment hub.
The only fully integrated EOSB platform in the market
According to Mr. Haddad, FAB is currently the only approved fund manager fully integrated with MOHRE and UAE’s federal data network (FedNet), marking a critical milestone in streamlining EOSB operations. This integration enables employers to automate data transfer, eliminate manual spreadsheet uploads, and significantly reduce compliance risks, MOHRE fines, and administrative costs.
Backed by technology partner, Aurem and fund administrator APEX, FAB’s platform offers a secure, end-to-end digital experience for employers. This includes KYB (Know-Your-Business) onboarding, real-time document validation, automated Basic and Voluntary subscriptions calculations and employer dashboards, all underpinned by stringent data security and privacy protocols.
This achievement reflects not only FAB’s institutional capabilities, but also MOHRE’s commitment to establishing a truly digital and future-ready infrastructure.
The voluntary phase is the time to prepare, not delay
Mr. Haddad says, this period offers companies the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the platform, optimise internal processes, and ensure smooth integration with HR and finance systems. It is also a good time to set aside sufficient liquidity for monthly contributions and to prepare teams for ongoing operational requirements. Early participation allows entities to implement the system at their own pace, address any operational questions, and ensure readiness ahead of any potential wider adoption. If the scheme becomes mandatory in the future, demand for onboarding is likely to increase significantly, potentially placing additional pressure on companies and service providers making early adoption a clear strategic advantage.
FAB advises early adoption to allow employers to pilot the system at their own pace, starting with a smaller group of employees, addressing operational issues, and then preparing staff for a seamless full-scale rollout.
FAB as your EOSB partner
Mr. Haddad describes FAB’s EOSB platform as more than just a fund – it’s a national-scale, end-to-end solution, backed by one of the UAE’s most trusted financial institutions and developed in close partnership with the government.
FAB’s platform advantages include:
- A strong pipeline of large, established corporate clients
- Recognised brand strength
- Seamless integration with MOHRE and FedNet
- A fully automated portal for HR and Finance teams
- A dedicated app enabling employees to view and manage their EOSB savings
- Proven security, regulatory compliance, and scalability
These advantages do position the platform to gain early traction, with the potential to convert into significant long-term market share.
FAB’s message to companies:
Leverage this voluntary phase, don’t wait for a mandatory deadline.
Use this time to test, adapt, and future-proof your EOSB processes with a platform that is fully integrated with MOHRE and the UAE’s federal systems and is already live, compliant, and trusted.
The EOSB scheme is more than a compliance requirement, it’s a strategic opportunity to lead, enhance workforce trust, and align with the nation’s long-term vision.
With FAB, you’re not just fulfilling a regulation; you are joining a future-ready, digitally secure, and government-aligned platform built to last. Now is the time for companies to join the scheme and be at the forefront of this national transformation.
For more information on FAB’s EOSB platform, please click here.
