Over 32,000 companies now employ Emirati talent, with 95% meeting first-half Emiratisation targets
The UAE’s Emiratisation programme continues to strengthen private sector employment, with more than 190,000 Emirati citizens now working across over 32,000 private companies by the end of the first half of 2026.
- Over 32,000 companies now employ Emirati talent, with 95% meeting first-half Emiratisation targets
- Government programmes continue to drive Emiratisation growth
- Private employers increasingly recognise value of Emirati talent
- Nafis expands focus from hiring to long-term career growth
- Companies continue working towards new 2026 targets
New figures released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) show that 95% of companies covered by Emiratisation requirements achieved their first-half 2026 targets. The milestone reflects stronger employer participation, sustained government support and growing confidence in Emirati talent.
The latest results also highlight the continued expansion of the UAE’s non-government workforce as businesses increase investments in local talent and workforce development.
Government programmes continue to drive Emiratisation growth
According to MoHRE, the steady increase in private sector employment follows close collaboration between the government, businesses and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, which manages the Nafis programme.
The initiative helps Emiratis secure private sector jobs through financial incentives, professional training and career development support. As a result, more citizens are pursuing long-term careers across a broader range of industries.
The ministry said these achievements were made under the guidance of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
Private employers increasingly recognise value of Emirati talent
Commenting on the latest figures, Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said employer commitment continues to strengthen.
“The results achieved in Emiratisation reflect the increasing commitment of private-sector establishments to the targets and their keenness to benefit from national talent as a qualitative addition to the business environment.”
Al Khoori added that the ministry will continue supporting employers to meet Emiratisation requirements while helping companies retain Emirati professionals in sustainable careers.
He also said the growing number of companies hiring Emiratis reflects stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Nafis expands focus from hiring to long-term career growth
Meanwhile, Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, described the milestone as an important step in the country’s workforce development strategy.
“The private sector has become a strategic career choice for national talent and an essential partner in the country’s economic development.”
He added that extending the Nafis programme until 2040 marks a shift towards improving job quality, career diversity and long-term employment sustainability rather than focusing only on hiring numbers.
Companies continue working towards new 2026 targets
Looking ahead, MoHRE expects further progress during the second half of 2026. Companies employing 50 or more workers must achieve an additional 1% increase in skilled Emirati employees under the next phase of Emiratisation.
Businesses that meet their targets can also join the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers benefits including discounts of up to 80% on ministry service fees and priority access to government procurement opportunities.
The ministry said rising Emirati employment demonstrates both the effectiveness of Emiratisation policies and the resilience of the UAE economy as more businesses enter the market.
