The UAE has introduced new Emiratisation requirements for private healthcare companies. The move aims to increase the number of Emiratis working in specialised healthcare roles.
- Healthcare providers must adjust hiring plans
- Compliance reviews start in 2027
- Emirati participation in healthcare continues to grow
- Nafis platform remains a key recruitment channel
- Government focuses on long-term workforce development
- Emiratisation remains a national priority
- What the new rules mean for employers
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the changes in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). Under the revised policy, private healthcare facilities with 50 or more employees must continue achieving annual Emiratisation growth of 2 per cent.
However, employers must now allocate half of those positions to specialised healthcare professions. They can fill the remaining positions through other skilled roles within the organisation.
Healthcare providers must adjust hiring plans
Previously, healthcare employers only needed to meet overall Emiratisation targets across skilled jobs. The new policy introduces a more focused approach.
As a result, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers must review their recruitment strategies. They must also ensure that future Emirati hires include more healthcare professionals.
Officials believe the change will strengthen workforce localisation in one of the country’s most important sectors.
Compliance reviews start in 2027
MoHRE will begin assessing compliance with the new requirement in 2027.
Healthcare facilities that fail to meet the targets may face financial penalties. Therefore, employers should start preparing well before the review period begins.
The ministry has urged healthcare providers to assess their current workforce and identify any gaps. Early planning could help organisations avoid compliance issues later.
Emirati participation in healthcare continues to grow
The decision follows a review of employment trends in the private healthcare sector.
Government figures show that more than 8,800 Emiratis worked in private healthcare by the end of 2025. Women accounted for 82 per cent of those employees.
These figures highlight the growing role of Emiratis in healthcare. Moreover, officials expect the new rules to accelerate this trend.
Nafis platform remains a key recruitment channel
Authorities have encouraged healthcare employers to use the Nafis platform when hiring Emirati talent.
Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, urged employers to evaluate their Emiratisation progress. She also called on facilities to develop clear hiring plans for the second half of 2026.
In addition, she encouraged organisations to advertise vacancies through Nafis. This approach can help employers connect with qualified Emirati candidates.
Healthcare facilities that achieved the first-half target should continue building momentum. They must now work towards the second-half target as well.
Government focuses on long-term workforce development
Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at MoHAP, said the decision reflects a wider national strategy.
According to Ahli, reserving half of Emiratisation targets for healthcare roles will create more opportunities for UAE nationals. It will also strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce over the long term.
Furthermore, the initiative supports efforts to build a sustainable pipeline of local healthcare talent.
Emiratisation remains a national priority
The announcement aligns with the UAE’s broader Emiratisation agenda.
The government recently extended the Nafis programme until 2040. This extension highlights its commitment to increasing Emirati participation in the private sector.
At the same time, it reinforces efforts to improve the competitiveness of national talent across key industries.
What the new rules mean for employers
The latest changes mark an important shift in the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy.
Healthcare providers must now do more than meet overall hiring targets. They must also recruit Emiratis into specialised healthcare positions.
Consequently, workforce planning will become even more important. Employers that act early will be better positioned to meet future compliance requirements and support national employment goals.
