What is Emiratisation?
Emiratisation is the UAE policy requiring private-sector employers with 50 or more skilled staff to raise the Emirati share of skilled roles by 2% each year, reaching 10% by the end of 2026.
Emiratisation explained
The target is measured against skilled positions, and applies to establishments with 50 or more skilled employees. MOHRE defines a skilled employee as someone holding a university degree or equivalent diploma and earning at least AED 4,000 per month.
The annual 2% is split across two deadlines: 1% by 30 June and a further 1% by 31 December. Employers with 20 to 49 employees fall under a separate, smaller obligation.
Shortfalls carry a monthly contribution per unfilled Emirati role — AED 9,000 per month in 2026, or roughly AED 108,000 a year for a single unfilled position.
MOHRE actively investigates artificial compliance. Emirati employees must be genuinely employed, registered on WPS with real salaries and real duties, and registered with Nafis. Sham arrangements attract separate penalties and category downgrade.
Official source: MOHRE
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