The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a significant milestone in its Emiratisation drive, with the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector surpassing 100,000 for the first time.
This news was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. In a message on social media, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the impressive growth, noting that over 70,000 Emiratis have joined private companies in just the past two and a half years.
Government Prioritizes Emirati Jobseekers
The UAE government is committed to further accelerating Emiratisation efforts. One key strategy involves prioritizing Emirati candidates with at least three years of private sector experience when filling government positions. This initiative aims to create an additional 100,000 jobs for Emirati citizens within the next three years.
Nafis Program and Economic Growth Drive Success
The success of the Emiratisation drive can be attributed to several factors, including the launch of the government’s Nafis program in 2021. Nafis provides financial and other forms of support to businesses that hire Emirati employees. Additionally, the UAE’s strong economic growth has created a more favorable job market for Emirati citizens.
UAE Aims for 10% Emirati Workforce in Private Sector
The UAE has set an ambitious target of having 10% of all private sector jobs filled by Emiratis by the end of 2026. Companies with at least 50 employees are required to gradually increase their Emirati workforce, with a target of 4% by the end of 2023. These quotas are expected to rise to 6% in 2024, 8% in 2025, and finally 10% in 2026.
