UAE nationals boost private sector with Emiratisation: Eight key benefits revealed

The deadline for meeting the semi-annual Emiratisation targets for 2025 ended on Monday, June 30. In a research-based assessment of progress during the first half of the year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that companies complying with the Emiratisation targets are entitled to eight distinct benefits.

These include access to Emiratisation consultations, invitations to awareness workshops on relevant regulations, and career guidance services. Additionally, companies receive support in training and preparing Emirati job seekers, and are granted access to qualified Emirati professionals for skilled positions.

Other incentives include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club and First Category classification for companies that comply with labor regulations and exceed Emiratisation targets by threefold, with a minimum of 30 Emiratis hired annually.

In a statement published on its official website, the Ministry highlighted further benefits such as access to year-round support from specialized employment experts. It urged companies with 50 or more employees to fulfill both their semi-annual and annual Emiratisation obligations. Additionally, private firms with 20 to 49 employees are now required to hire at least one Emirati by the end of December 2025.

Starting today, MoHRE will begin monitoring company compliance with the 2025 mid-year targets and take necessary actions to enforce Emiratisation policies. The Ministry reiterated its confidence in the private sector’s awareness and commitment to national employment initiatives.

Non-compliant companies will be subject to a monthly financial contribution of AED 9,000 for each Emirati not hired in line with the required target for the first half of 2025.

MoHRE, in coordination with the Nafis program—which aims to enhance Emirati workforce competitiveness—is currently identifying companies that failed to meet their Emiratisation goals and the number of missed employment opportunities.

Despite these measures, the Ministry expects the number of non-compliant companies to remain minimal, given the record-high Emiratisation rates. As of the end of May, more than 141,000 UAE nationals were employed across 28,000 private sector companies, according to the latest official figures.

The Ministry expressed confidence in the private sector’s commitment to Emiratisation and in job seekers’ awareness of its national and strategic benefits. It also reaffirmed ongoing support for compliant companies through Nafis incentives and benefits, particularly for companies that achieve outstanding Emiratisation outcomes.

These companies enjoy exclusive membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club and benefit from up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees, as well as priority in government procurement systems—enhancing their business growth opportunities.

The Ministry praised the Nafis digital platform for facilitating Emiratisation compliance, citing its comprehensive database of qualified Emirati professionals. It commended the private sector’s positive engagement, which has led to unprecedented employment numbers.

Citizens are encouraged to report violations or unethical practices that undermine Emiratisation policies via MoHRE’s call center at 600590000 or through its app and website. The Ministry also urged job seekers to verify the legitimacy of job offers and avoid involvement in fraudulent or fake employment schemes, to ensure their continued eligibility for Nafis benefits.

The Ministry confirmed the effectiveness of its Emiratisation policy framework, which ensures consistent hiring throughout the year, retention of Emirati employees, and a steady stream of job postings on the Nafis platform in line with labor market demand.

MoHRE reiterated its commitment to working alongside the private sector to develop the labor market, enhance the business environment, and support the UAE’s broader national vision of becoming a global hub for talent, business, and innovation.

To support Emiratisation targets, MoHRE announced on its website that monthly financial contributions of AED 6,000 per unfilled Emirati position would be applied to non-compliant companies starting January 2023. These contributions will increase annually by AED 1,000 until 2026.

To ensure governance and effective enforcement, MoHRE collaborates with the Cabinet Secretariat to monitor Emiratisation progress in the private sector.

The Ministry has broadened the scope of Emiratisation obligations to include private sector companies with 20 to 49 employees. As of 2024, these companies—if operating in specific economic sectors—are required to hire one Emirati in 2024 and another in 2025.

This policy aims to increase Emirati employment across 14 key economic sectors:

Non-compliant firms will face an annual financial contribution of AED 96,000 for each Emirati not hired by January 2025 for the year 2024. This amount increases to AED 108,000 by January 2026 for companies that fail to hire two Emiratis during 2025.