Emiratisation is the UAE government’s plan to bring more UAE citizens (Emiratis) into private-sector jobs. Emiratis are a small part of the UAE population. Most private-sector workers are expats.
This guide explains the rules in plain words. It also explains what they mean for you as an expat job seeker.
MoHRE is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It sets the targets and checks that companies meet them.
The main targets
Companies with 50 or more staff
Private companies with 50 or more employees must raise the number of Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% each year. The plan aims for a total rise of 10% by the end of 2026.
MoHRE splits each year into two halves:
- First half: +1%, due by 30 June
- Second half: +1%, due by 31 December
In June 2026, Gulf News reported that MoHRE again told these firms to meet the first-half 2026 target by 30 June.
Companies with 20 to 49 staff
Smaller firms with 20 to 49 employees are covered only in 14 selected sectors. These include:
- Information and communications
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail and wholesale
- Transport and storage
- Health care
- Education
- Hospitality
These firms had to hire at least one Emirati by the end of 2024, and one more by the end of 2025. They must also keep the Emiratis they already employ. We could not confirm the exact 2026 rule for this group from an official source.
Health care change in 2026
In June 2026, MoHRE changed the rules for health care. Half of a health care company’s yearly 2% target must now be in specialised health care jobs, such as clinical roles. The other half can be in other skilled jobs.
Fines for companies that miss targets
MoHRE calls these fines “financial contributions”.
| Group | Fine |
|---|---|
| 50+ staff, from 1 July 2026 | AED 10,000 a month (AED 120,000 a year) for each missing Emirati |
| 20–49 staff, 2024 shortfall | AED 96,000 for each missing Emirati |
| 20–49 staff, 2025 shortfall | AED 108,000 for each missing Emirati |
MoHRE also warns against “fake Emiratisation”. This means hiring Emiratis on paper only, with no real job. MoHRE says its digital checks can spot this, and offenders face legal action. Companies that do well can join the Emiratisation Partners Club and get up to 80% off MoHRE service fees.
What is Nafis
Nafis is a federal programme that helps Emiratis work in the private sector. It runs a job platform where Emiratis find jobs and companies find Emirati staff.
When you see “Nafis” in a job ad, the job is for UAE nationals only. Expats cannot apply through Nafis.
What this means for expat job seekers
Most jobs stay open to you
The targets are a few percent of skilled jobs in each covered company. A company with 100 staff in skilled jobs needs about 2 more Emiratis a year. The other jobs stay open to all nationalities.
Blue-collar jobs, such as cleaners, drivers, labourers and security guards, are not the focus of the targets. Hotel service jobs, trade jobs and retail floor jobs also stay mostly expat.
Some jobs are now “Emirati only”
You will see more job ads that say “UAE nationals only”. Common ones are:
- Human resources and admin jobs in large companies
- Customer service and front-desk jobs in banks and government-linked firms
- Graduate and trainee programmes
For example, in October 2026 The National reported that State Street plans about 100 jobs for Emiratis at a new centre in Al Ain.
Tip: Do not apply for jobs marked “UAE nationals only”. It wastes your time and the recruiter’s time. Focus on jobs open to all.
Competition is higher for some office jobs
In finance, HR and admin, larger companies may prefer Emirati candidates when they have a target to meet. Expats with strong skills still get hired, but expect more competition in these fields.
Specialist skills still win
Companies need staff they cannot easily find. Nurses, engineers, technicians and IT specialists remain in demand. Building skills and certificates helps you more than worrying about quotas.
How to read a job ad
Job ads in Dubai often show who can apply. Look for these words:
| Wording in the ad | What it means |
|---|---|
| “UAE nationals only” or “Emiratis only” | Not open to expats |
| “Nafis” or “Emiratisation role” | For UAE nationals |
| “All nationalities” | Open to you |
| No nationality stated | Usually open, but ask the recruiter |
If you are not sure, send a short, polite message to the recruiter. Ask if the role is open to your nationality before you prepare a full application.
Your rights stay the same
Emiratisation does not cancel your rights under the labour law. If your employer ends your contract, it must:
- Give the notice in your contract (30 to 90 days after probation)
- Pay your salary, unused leave and gratuity within 14 days
Read our UAE labour law basics and gratuity guide.
Warning: Some scammers say “Emiratisation rules” mean you must pay a fee to keep a job or get a visa. That is false. Never pay anyone for a job. See our scam alerts.
Where to learn more
- The official u.ae page on employing Emiratis in the private sector
- MoHRE’s Emiratisation targets page
- Our Pay and market section for the wider job market
