Emiratisation targets for UAE’s private sector companies: What you need to know

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the UAE has urged private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025.

Read- Emiratisation: MoHRE reminds private firms to comply with June 30 deadline

These companies are also expected to achieve a growth of at least 1 per cent in the number of UAE citizens employed in skilled jobs, relative to their total skilled workforce, by June 30.

Verification process to begin

According to a WAM report, beginning July 1, the ministry will start verifying companies’ compliance with the set targets and related requirements. These include registering employed Emirati nationals with a social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions.

Meeting these conditions enables companies to avoid financial penalties, which will be imposed on establishments that fail to comply.

“The impressive performance we have seen in the labour market, coupled with the UAE’s rapid economic growth, enhances private sector companies’ ability to meet their Emiratisation targets. This progress aligns with the well-established partnership between the Ministry and the Nafis programme, which supports achieving Emiratisation policies across the private sector,” said Farida Al Ali, MoHRE’s Assistant Under-Secretary of National Talents.

Private sector’s engagement with Emiratisation policies

Al Ali commended the private sector’s engagement with Emiratisation initiatives and its commitment to meeting targets, which has positively impacted this national priority. She revealed that over 136,000 UAE citizens were employed in the private sector across 28,000 companies by the end of April 2025. She expressed confidence in the sector’s continued progress, particularly with the support of the Nafis platform, which hosts a large pool of qualified Emirati candidates.

Incentives and benefits for companies

The ministry will continue to offer incentives and benefits to companies that demonstrate exceptional Emiratisation performance. These include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers benefits such as up to 80 percent discounts on MoHRE service fees and priority status in the government procurement system—boosting business growth opportunities.

Digital field inspection system

To detect fraudulent practices, including ‘Fake Emiratisation’ schemes or attempts to circumvent targets, the ministry has implemented an advanced digital field inspection system. From mid-2022 to April 2025, the system flagged around 2,200 establishments in violation of Emiratisation policies, leading to legal action.

MoHRE offers multiple channels to report Emiratisation policy violations in the private sector, including a call centre at 600590000, as well as the ministry’s smart application and official website.