UAE Emiratisation deadline nears: Private firms have 3 days to meet target

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a reminder to private sector companies employing 50 or more workers to meet their mid-year Emiratisation targets by Monday, July 1.

In an official statement, the ministry is urging companies to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled roles by at least 1 per cent of their total skilled workforce for the first half of the year. This comes as part of the UAE's ongoing push to boost Emirati participation in the private sector.

Starting July 1, MoHRE will begin verifying company compliance, ensuring that hired Emiratis are properly registered with approved pension funds and that required monthly contributions are being paid.

Non-compliant companies will face a financial penalty of Dh9,000 per month for each Emirati not hired in accordance with the target for the first half of the year.

The ministry noted that the UAE's strong labour market and robust economic growth make it feasible for companies to fulfil their Emiratisation commitments, especially with continued support from strategic partners such as the Nafis programme.

MoHRE highlighted record results in Emiratisation efforts: as of end-April 2025, more than 136,000 Emiratis were employed across 28,000 private sector companies – a historic achievement for the UAE.

Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for National Talent Empowerment at MoHRE, praised the private sector’s engagement with Emiratisation initiatives and reaffirmed the ministry’s confidence in the sector’s continued progress.

She pointed to the effectiveness of the Nafis platform, which connects companies with qualified Emirati candidates ready for immediate employment.

“The private sector’s positive response has yielded record-breaking results in this vital national file,” she underlined.

Farida noted that companies that achieve exceptional Emiratisation results will continue to enjoy benefits such as, membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, up to 80 per cent discounts on MoHRE service fees and priority status in government procurement.

The ministry uses advanced digital systems and field inspections to detect violations, including falsified Emiratisation data. Companies found manipulating employment records or engaging in fake hiring practices will face strict administrative and financial penalties. The ministry has identified and penalised non-compliant establishments.

Violations can be reported via the MoHRE app, website, or contact centre (600590000). 

MoHRE reminded companies with 20 to 49 employees to hire at least one Emirati before the end of 2025. This requirement applies to more than 12,000 companies in 14 key economic sectors, including, information and communications, financial services, healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, hospitality, education and more.

Notifications have been sent electronically, and companies are expected to act without delay.