UAE Ministry reaffirms June 30 deadline for private sector Emiratisation targets

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has firmly restated that June 30 is the final deadline for private sector companies to achieve their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026. This directive applies to companies employing 50 or more individuals.

The Emiratisation program mandates that targeted companies increase the proportion of UAE nationals in skilled jobs by 2% each year. This involves a 1% increase in the first half of the year and the remaining 1% in the second half. MoHRE encourages these companies to utilize the Nafis platform, which connects them with a broad range of qualified Emirati job seekers across various fields.

MoHRE emphasized that Emiratisation policies are a cornerstone of the UAE's economic objectives and future strategies, underscoring their continued importance as a national priority. The ministry highlighted the crucial role of private sector partnerships in driving progress, enhancing competitiveness, fostering sustainable growth, and encouraging Emirati citizens' active participation in the labor market.

Companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in meeting their Emiratisation obligations will continue to receive incentives. These include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, offering discounts of up to 80% on MoHRE service fees and preferential access to government procurement opportunities.

However, MoHRE will begin imposing financial penalties on non-compliant companies from July 1, 2026. The penalty is set at Dhs10,000 per month (Dhs120,000 annually) for each position that remains unfilled by an Emirati citizen. The ministry also issued a stern warning against 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes, labeling them serious labor market violations that will be detected and firmly dealt with through the ministry's digital and field inspection systems.