Industry roundtable discusses success factors for the UAE EOSB Savings Scheme

Ahead of the closure of the public consultation on the UAE's Alternative End-of-Service Benefits (EOSB) Savings Scheme, set as 28 February 2026, the Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA) convened an industry roundtable in Dubai to discuss practical implementation considerations, employee outcomes and market adoption.

The session was moderated by Nisha Braganza, Founder and CEO of Vestora, and brought together approved EOSB fund managers, asset managers, trustees, market intermediaries and employers, including participants beyond GCMA's current membership.

The discussion focused on what would be required for the scheme to achieve long-term success across the private sector. Below are the key takeaways from the session.

The transition to funded savings schemes is regional

Participants noted that beyond the UAE, the region is moving towards defined contribution frameworks designed to better protect employee benefits and improve long-term outcomes. As more GCC jurisdictions move away from unfunded gratuity systems, implementation is a key area of focus.

Appropriate design of the default investment option is crucial

A key discussion point was the importance of achieving outcomes that at least preserve purchasing power over time. Participants highlighted the importance of appropriate risk-rated investment strategies and the design of default options, recognising that many employees may not actively select investment funds themselves.

Financial literacy is critical

There was broad agreement that employer and employee education will play a significant role in the success of the scheme. Participants noted that EOSB savings remains a relatively new concept for many employees and that improving financial literacy will be important to encourage engagement and informed decision-making.

Building an ecosystem that can operate at scale

The discussion also highlighted the importance of developing a credible local ecosystem capable of supporting large-scale adoption. Participants noted the need for strong coordination between regulators, custodians, asset managers, administrators and other market participants to support long-term growth and confidence in the system.

Looking ahead

The UAE EOSB Savings Scheme is a significant change for the nation. Its success has implications not only for employee outcomes, but also for the UAE's attractiveness as a talent destination and the long-term development of the local savings and investment markets.

Across participants, there was broad consensus that transparency, education, strong governance and coordinated industry support will be important factors in achieving successful long-term adoption.

Feedback from the discussion was subsequently shared with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) as part of the public consultation process.