UAE Urges Firms: Meet Emiratization Goals

UAE Warns Companies to Meet Emiratization Targets - December 31 Deadline Looms

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have once again highlighted the importance of the Emiratization program, warning the private sector that they must meet the specified employment targets by December 31. Failure to comply will result in significant fines and other sanctions starting January 1, 2026. The initiative aims to increase the proportion of Emirati citizens in highly skilled positions within the competitive sector, thus promoting balanced growth in the national labor market.

The Essence of Emiratization Targets

The regulation applies to all companies with at least 50 employees, requiring a mandatory 2% annual increase in the number of Emirati citizens in skilled jobs. Additionally, a separate category exists for companies employing 20 to 49 workers operating in dynamically growing economic sectors such as technology, finance, or healthcare. These companies must employ and retain at least one local citizen by the end of the year.

The goal is not merely statistical; the Emiratization program serves the long-term development of a knowledge-based economy in which the local population actively participates in the private sector's growth. Authorities emphasize that the program does not disadvantage foreign workers but aims to create a balanced and sustainable labor market.

Fines and Legal Consequences

Companies failing to meet the quotas can expect fines and other administrative sanctions from early 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) clarified that inspections are not formal but rather conducted through an active, digitally-supported system.

Companies that do not fulfill the requirements will be downgraded in the ministry's corporate classification system, affecting their access to government services and support. The ministry may also require affected companies to immediately take steps to rectify their status.

The Role of the Nafis Platform

Authorities recommend that all companies use the Nafis platform, through which Emirati citizens and private companies can easily connect. The system allows job seekers to search by field, helping companies effectively meet their Emiratization obligations.

The Nafis program is not just a database; it offers various incentives to participating companies and employees, including training support, salary supplements, and career development opportunities. This system is one of the key pillars of the Emiratization strategy, which has been significantly developed in recent years.

Combating Fake Emiratization

The ministry has specifically warned against the so-called "Fake Emiratization" practices, where companies only employ Emirati workers on paper to meet quotas, with no actual work being performed.

To identify such cases, an advanced AI-supported monitoring system is used that can detect suspicious patterns in data sets. The new technology significantly increases detection efficiency, allowing for immediate intervention. Authorities encourage Emirati citizens to report potential violations through the ministry's customer service or mobile app.

Benefits of Compliance

The government emphasizes that companies meeting Emiratization targets not only support the national economy but can also enjoy numerous advantages. Under the Nafis program, such companies are eligible for various financial discounts and service fee reductions, which can reach up to 80%.

Furthermore, members of the Emiratisation Partners Club—companies that excel in the program—are given priority in public procurements, providing significant business advantages. As a result, club members strengthen their position in the market both socially and economically.

The Role of the Private Sector in Emiratization

The UAE government believes that Emiratization is not just a state project but a shared social responsibility. Private companies play a key role in enabling the local population to actively participate in building the country's future.

In recent years, many private companies have demonstrated their commitment to the program, with an increasing proportion of Emirati professionals in various sectors. Notably, significant progress is evident in financial, technological, and real estate sectors where local workers contribute to the country's economic diversification with their innovative thinking and modern approach.

Continuous Support and Incentives

According to MOHRE, companies actively cooperating with authorities and the Nafis system can become stable and reliable partners in state initiatives over the long term. Such cooperation provides an opportunity for companies to not only comply with regulations but also create genuine social value.

Authorities plan to introduce further incentive programs in the future, aiming to enhance the career development of young Emiratis, as well as strengthen long-term relationships between companies and employees.

Summary

Emiratization is one of the UAE's most important national strategies, serving economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainability. With the December 31 deadline approaching, it is crucial for private companies not to delay necessary actions: compliance not only avoids fines but also opens opportunities for future development and exploitation of government support.

Companies that respond in time and genuinely integrate Emirati talents into their organizations will not only comply with regulations in the long term but also gain a competitive edge in one of the country's most dynamically growing economic environments—Dubai and the entire UAE.

(Source of the article based on the warning from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).)