MHRE: Over 152000 Emiratis Now Employed In UAE Private Sector
MHRE: Over 152000 Emiratis Now Employed In UAE Private Sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has achieved a significant milestone in the UAE’s drive toward a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. As of 30 June 2025, over 152,000 Emiratis are employed in the private sector, marking a historic success in the country’s Emiratisation strategy. This milestone was reached with the support of the Nafis programme, a federal initiative designed to enhance Emirati participation in the private economy.
This article explores the key aspects of this success, including sectoral employment data, Emiratisation targets, company obligations, compliance rewards, and the role of Nafis in transforming the UAE labour landscape.
Empowering Emiratis Through the Private Sector
The UAE leadership has long envisioned an inclusive and dynamic national workforce. With that in mind, MoHRE has worked relentlessly to implement policies that encourage Emiratis to work in the private sector, traditionally dominated by expatriates. The impressive number of over 152,000 employed Emiratis, distributed across 29,000+ companies, is a testament to these efforts.
The Ministry attributes much of this success to the Nafis programme, which aims to equip UAE nationals with the skills, opportunities, and exposure necessary to thrive in private businesses. As part of the UAE’s broader national strategy, this programme supports the economic diversification goals and ensures that Emiratis play an active role in the country’s booming industries.
Role of Nafis Programme in Achieving Emiratisation Goals
The Nafis programme has been a cornerstone in driving Emiratisation. Launched under the UAE’s “Projects of the 50” initiative, Nafis offers a variety of tools to bridge the gap between job-seeking nationals and private sector employers.
Features of the Nafis Programme:
- Career counselling and training
- Wage subsidies for Emiratis in private companies
- Child allowance schemes
- Temporary unemployment support
- Digital platform matching candidates with opportunities
This integrated approach has not only improved employment figures but also changed the perception of private sector careers among UAE nationals. By incentivizing employers and providing direct support to job seekers, Nafis enhances both individual growth and national competitiveness.
Emiratis Employed in Key Economic Sectors
Emirati nationals are increasingly visible in diverse industries that are vital to the UAE’s economic fabric. Here’s a breakdown of major sectors where Emiratis are employed, as shared by MoHRE:
| Economic Sector | Common Roles Occupied |
|---|---|
| Business Services | Managers, Consultants, Administrative Officers |
| Financial Intermediation | Analysts, Compliance Officers, Customer Service |
| Trade & Repair | Sales Supervisors, Technicians, Merchandisers |
| Construction | Project Managers, Engineers, Site Coordinators |
| Manufacturing | Supervisors, Safety Officers, Logistics Managers |
| Other Industries | R&D Experts, HR Professionals, IT Specialists |
These roles span scientific, technical, managerial, and clerical disciplines, reflecting the growing skill base of the Emirati workforce.
Progress Aligned With UAE’s Economic Expansion
The rise in Emiratis employed in the private sector is not an isolated success. It aligns with the UAE’s broader economic expansion. In 2024, the private sector saw a 33% increase in new companies entering the labour market, signalling a robust investment environment and a business-friendly ecosystem.
This surge in corporate activity creates more job opportunities, allowing MoHRE to further its Emiratisation agenda. The ministry’s efforts are reinforced by legislation that encourages private companies to hire UAE nationals while providing tangible incentives.
Emiratisation Targets for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, MoHRE has set clear targets for the second half of 2025:
- Companies with 50 or more employees must increase the proportion of Emiratis in skilled roles by 1%.
- Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 high-priority sectors are required to hire at least one Emirati, provided the workplace environment meets required standards.
These policies are designed to ensure that Emiratisation continues to grow sustainably and inclusively.
Enforcement, Reporting, and Penalties
To ensure compliance, MoHRE has established a robust monitoring framework. Companies with 50+ employees must meet their targets by 30 June 2025 to avoid penalties, which are effective from 1 July 2025.
Penalties include financial fines for:
- Not achieving the 1% growth in skilled Emirati employment
- Failing to maintain previously achieved Emiratisation levels
Reporting Violations
Both Emiratis and the public are urged to report any violations of Emiratisation rules. Reports can be made via:
- MoHRE Call Centre: 600590000
- Mobile App: MoHRE App (iOS & Android)
- Official Website: mohre.gov.ae
Recognising and Rewarding Compliance
In addition to enforcement, MoHRE also offers rewards for companies that comply with or exceed Emiratisation targets. High-performing firms are inducted into the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers:
- Up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees
- Priority access to government tenders and procurement platforms
- Enhanced business visibility and government recognition
These rewards motivate companies to integrate more Emiratis into their workforce while benefitting from lower costs and increased business opportunities.
Statements from UAE Leadership
This significant achievement reflects the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. His Highness emphasized that empowering Emiratis across sectors is not just a workforce development issue it’s a national economic priority.
Continued Collaboration Between MoHRE and Private Sector
The Ministry has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to working hand-in-hand with private companies, ensuring ongoing progress in the national Emiratisation agenda. It plans to:
- Launch more training initiatives through the Nafis platform
- Provide workshops for company HR managers
- Expand digital tools to better match Emiratis with job opportunities
- Monitor employment data through a centralised dashboard
This collaborative ecosystem between MoHRE, Nafis, and private employers ensures that Emirati talent is not just recruited, but retained and developed.
FAQs About 152,000 Emiratis Employed
What is the main goal of the Nafis programme?
Ans: The Nafis programme aims to increase the number of Emiratis employed in the private sector by providing training, wage subsidies, and career development support to both job seekers and employers.
What happens if a company fails to meet MoHRE’s Emiratisation targets?
Ans: Companies with 50 or more employees that fail to achieve the required 1% increase in Emiratis in skilled roles will face financial penalties starting from 1 July 2025.
How can Emiratis report violations related to Emiratisation?
Ans: Violations can be reported via the MoHRE call centre (600590000), the official MoHRE app, or the website (mohre.gov.ae).
Conculsion
The milestone of 152,000 Emiratis employed in the private sector represents more than just numbers it signifies a new era for the UAE labour market. As the Nafis programme continues to evolve, and as companies recognize the value of Emirati talent, the vision of a diverse, empowered, and forward-looking workforce is becoming a reality.
