152,000 Strong: Emiratis Make Their Mark in the Private Sector

The UAE’s push to boost Emirati participation in the private sector has reached a major milestone. As of June 2025, more than 152,000 UAE citizens are now employed in private companies across the country, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

 

The ministry confirmed that the number of Emiratis working in the private sector continues to rise steadily, driven by both government policy and private sector engagement. The growth comes amid intensified national efforts to make the private sector a key engine of employment for UAE citizens.

 

Rising Numbers, Broader Participation

According to the latest data, more than 29,000 private sector establishments now employ UAE nationals. This marks a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2024—highlighting both the growing interest of Emiratis in private sector opportunities and a stronger commitment by companies to meet Emiratisation targets.

 

The increase also reflects the success of structured programmes and regulatory measures introduced by the UAE government in recent years, including mandatory hiring quotas for businesses.

 

Nafis at the Core

Much of this growth has been made possible by the Nafis programme, launched in September 2021 as part of the “Projects of the 50” national strategy. The initiative aims to make the private sector more attractive to UAE citizens through a wide range of support tools, including training programmes, salary subsidies, and employment matching services.

 

One of Nafis’ core goals is to create 75,000 job opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector by 2026. As of June 2025, the progress toward that goal is evident—with more citizens entering non-government roles than ever before.

MoHRE described the latest figures as a “clear reflection of the effectiveness of government policies and the active partnership with the private sector.”

 

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

The government has introduced mandatory Emiratisation targets for companies with 50 or more employees, requiring them to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled jobs by 1% every six months. These targets form part of a long-term plan to build a more balanced labour market that is less dependent on public sector employment.

Additionally, firms with 20 to 49 employees in selected sectors are now required to hire at least one Emirati by 2024, increasing to two Emiratis by 2025, as per updated regulations.

 

To ensure compliance, MoHRE enforces a system of financial incentives and penalties. Companies that meet or exceed Emiratisation targets can access benefits such as reductions in fees or improved classification in government systems. On the other hand, those that fail to comply are subject to financial fines, which are automatically calculated and collected based on the gap in required hiring.

 

Building Toward Long-Term Change

With over 152,000 Emiratis now active in the private sector, the UAE continues to make measurable progress toward its national workforce goals. The steady increase in private sector participation reflects a long-term transformation that aligns with the country’s broader economic diversification strategy.

 

MoHRE’s latest update reinforces that Emiratisation is not just a policy requirement, but a cornerstone of sustainable national development. As more citizens enter and grow within private enterprises, the UAE is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and future-ready growth.

 

For any enquiries or information, contact info@thelawreporters.com or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels