More than 190,000 Emiratis now work in the private sector, and 95% of firms met their half-year target
MoHRE figures show nearly 32,000 companies employing UAE citizens, with compliant firms earning fee discounts of up to 80% and priority in government contracts.
The number of Emiratis working in the UAE private sector has passed 190,000, spread across nearly 32,000 companies, and 95% of establishments subject to Emiratisation policies met their targets for the first half of 2026.
The incentive structure explains part of that. Companies that meet their targets can join the Emiratisation Partners Club, which carries discounts of up to 80% on selected ministry service fees and priority in government contracts, while those that fall short face monthly contributions and a downgrade in the establishment classification system.
The Nafis platform remains the intended first stop for finding candidates, and the ministry continues to monitor for artificial arrangements designed to show compliance on paper. For employers, the cheapest position is a genuine pipeline built early in each half-year rather than a scramble in the final weeks.
What it means for employers
- Plan each half-year target from month one; late compliance costs more and scores worse.
- Quantify the Partners Club discount against your annual ministry fee spend — it is a real budget line.
- Avoid any arrangement that shows a national on payroll without a genuine role; it is treated as fraud.
Related pages
Summarised by the Horizon GCC team. Original reporting: Khaleej Times
This briefing is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before acting.
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