95% of UAE private sector firms meet Emiratisation targets, employ over 190,000 Emiratis

The UAE's Emiratisation drive continues to gain momentum, with more than 190,000 Emiratis now employed in the private sector across nearly 32,000 companies, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

The ministry also revealed that 95% of companies covered by Emiratisation policies met their workforce localisation targets during the first half of 2026, highlighting stronger private sector participation in creating employment opportunities for UAE nationals.

Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said the results demonstrate the growing commitment of private sector establishments to meeting Emiratisation targets and integrating national talent into the workforce. He added that the ministry will continue working closely with companies by providing support and strengthening collaboration to ensure the sustainable employment of Emiratis across industries.

According to Al Khoori, the increase in companies hiring Emirati professionals reflects a stronger partnership between the government and the private sector to create quality career opportunities aligned with labour market demands and the aspirations of UAE citizens.

The progress has also been supported by the Nafis programme, which offers training, financial incentives and employment support to encourage Emiratis to join the private sector. 

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), said extending the Nafis programme until 2040 demonstrates the UAE's long-term commitment to improving both the quality and sustainability of employment for Emirati talent.

Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, said the ministry will continue monitoring compliance with Emiratisation requirements while helping organisations build workplaces that attract and retain Emirati employees. She noted that companies' continued commitment reflects growing recognition of the importance of investing in national talent as part of the UAE's broader economic development goals.

The Emiratisation agenda is expected to accelerate further in the second half of 2026, as companies employing 50 or more workers continue implementing the mandatory requirement to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled roles by an additional 1%.

Organisations that meet their Emiratisation obligations receive several incentives, including membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers discounts of up to 80% on selected MoHRE service fees and priority access to government procurement opportunities.

The latest figures reinforce the UAE's ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce localisation through closer collaboration between the government and the private sector, while building a competitive, sustainable and knowledge-driven labour market.