Authorities in the UAE are set to start inspecting private sector companies for adherence to Emiratisation objectives beginning on July 1. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will also evaluate whether these companies are fulfilling related obligations, including the registration of Emirati staff with the social security fund and timely payment of necessary contributions.
Private sector firms employing 50 or more workers are expected to achieve their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 by June 30. Specifically, they must increase the number of UAE nationals in skilled positions by a minimum of 1 percent.
These companies are required to raise their Emirati workforce by 2 percent annually—1 percent in the first half of the year and another 1 percent in the latter half. This means that by June 30, companies should aim for a 7 percent Emiratisation rate in skilled roles and an 8 percent rate by December 31. Firms failing to comply will incur monthly penalties amounting to thousands of dirhams for each Emirati position not filled.
The national goal targets a 10 percent Emiratisation rate in skilled roles for private sector companies by the end of 2026.
The ministry employs a digital inspection system to identify fraudulent activities, such as “fake Emiratisation” or attempts to bypass the established targets. Between mid-2022 and April 2025, the system identified around 2,200 businesses breaching Emiratisation policies, leading to legal actions against them.
As of the end of April 2025, the private sector has employed over 136,000 Emiratis across 28,000 companies, marking an unprecedented achievement.
Farida Al Ali, MoHRE’s Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents, stated that the strong performance in the job market, along with the UAE’s fast-paced economic development, enhances the capability of private sector companies to meet Emiratisation goals.
She mentioned that the ministry will continue to provide incentives and benefits to those companies that excel in achieving Emiratisation, which may include financial discounts of up to 80 percent on MoHRE service fees and priority access to the government procurement system.