UAE: MoHRE reveals top private sector jobs chosen by Emiratis

Abu Dhabi: New data released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) reveals that Emiratis in the UAE’s private sector are primarily employed across eight major occupational fields. The statistics highlight a steady rise in leadership and technical roles, underscoring the nation's focus on nurturing a highly qualified national workforce.

Clerical jobs remain the most common occupation among Emiratis in the private sector, accounting for 35.6% of the total. This category maintained its leading position from 2023 through 2024.

Technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields followed at 22.6%, retaining second place but showing a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. Service and sales occupations ranked third, with 18% of Emiratis working in this sector—a 5% jump from 2023, when it stood in fourth place.

Specialists in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields made up 14% of the workforce, placing fourth. Legislators, managers, and business directors came next at 7%. The remaining share includes roles such as construction craftsmen, workers in extractive industries, agriculture and fishing, as well as machine operators and assemblers.

MOHRE and the Nafis programme have been instrumental in driving Emiratisation through initiatives designed to enhance the appeal of private sector employment for Emiratis. Their collaborative efforts aim to prepare a generation of qualified professionals capable of contributing to the UAE’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Nafis supports Emiratis with financial assistance, training, and development programmes, significantly advancing their integration into private sector roles. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to reinforce the private sector as a cornerstone of the economy.

MOHRE has implemented policies that develop national talent, improve working conditions, and enhance labour market dynamics. The goal is to ensure a robust labour ecosystem that attracts both citizens and international talent while strengthening the UAE’s economic resilience.

Labour in the UAE is classified into nine skill levels in line with the International Labour Organisation’s standards. These range from senior management roles to elementary occupations and are grouped under five core skill categories.

Through public-private cooperation and strategic programmes, MOHRE and Nafis continue to empower Emiratis, fostering an inclusive and future-ready workforce.