The UAE’s commitment to bolstering its private sector workforce has yielded remarkable results, with over 80,000 Emiratis now gainfully employed in this sector, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Through strategic resolutions and initiatives like Nafis, the government has nearly tripled the number of Emirati nationals working in private companies since 2018. This significant progress underscores the nation’s dedication to nationalization efforts and fostering competitive opportunities for Emiratis.
The Emiratisation initiative has been a central focus of the UAE’s government, aiming to increase Emirati representation in the private sector. In 2021, the UAE Cabinet issued a resolution setting a two percent Emiratisation rate and expanded support through the Nafis initiative. This move marked a milestone in the nationalization program, providing an impetus for private companies to embrace Emirati talent.
Since the launch of Nafis in 2022, the growth in Emirati employment in the private sector has been particularly pronounced. In a remarkable leap, the number of Emirati employees soared from 29,810 in 2021 to an impressive 50,228 by the end of 2022. This achievement reflects the success of targeted policies in encouraging private companies to engage more Emiratis in their workforce.
As of July 26, the UAE witnessed an inspiring surge in Emirati employment across various private sector companies. Over 80,000 Emiratis have found opportunities, marking a 57 percent increase compared to the figures from the previous year. This noteworthy upswing showcases the tangible impact of the Emiratisation initiative in transforming the private sector employment landscape.
Dubai takes the lead in employing Emirati citizens in private companies, with approximately 47.4 percent of Emiratis working in this emirate. Following closely, Abu Dhabi boasts a significant 38.6 percent, while Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain make their contributions with 7.1 percent, 2.5 percent, 2 percent, 1.7 percent, and 0.7 percent, respectively.
The diverse opportunities offered by the private sector have attracted Emiratis to various job categories. The top ten job domains for Emiratis in this sector include:
- Business services
- Administrative and support services
- Trade and repair service
- Wholesale and retail
- Construction
- Civil engineering
- Manufacturing industries
- Financial intermediation
- Financial and insurance activities
- Mining and quarrying
The availability of positions in these sectors allows Emiratis to contribute their skills and expertise across different industries, strengthening the overall economy.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) highly commends private companies that wholeheartedly embrace the Emiratisation program, recognizing them as invaluable partners in achieving this national priority. MOHRE lauds their proactive approach in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s vision for a robust private sector and empowering Emiratis in building a prosperous future.
Under the guidance of MOHRE, the UAE’s Emiratisation initiative has yielded remarkable outcomes, witnessing over 80,000 Emiratis contributing their talents and skills to the country’s private sector. The strategic resolutions and Nafis initiative, spearheaded by MOHRE, have played a pivotal role in driving this exponential growth. This emphasizes the unwavering commitment of the Ministry to nationalization efforts, leading the way towards a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. As the private sector continues to flourish with Emirati talent, the UAE’s economic landscape is poised for further development and prosperity, all thanks to the visionary efforts of MOHRE.
