The UAE’s ambitious Emiratisation drive has achieved a major milestone, with over 152,000 Emiratis now employed in the private sector as of June 30, 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This marks a 12% increase from April’s figures (136,000), showcasing rapid progress toward the 2025 Emiratisation targets.
Quick Summary
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Current Emiratisation Numbers: 152,000+ UAE citizens in private sector jobs.
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Growth Rate: 12% increase in just two months (April–June 2024).
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Key Sectors: Business services, finance, trade, construction, and manufacturing.
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Compliance Deadline: Firms must hit 7% Emiratisation by June 30, 8% by December 2024.
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Penalties: Non-compliant companies face fines up to thousands of dirhams per month.
Emiratisation Progress
Record Growth in Private Sector Employment
The latest MoHRE data reveals that 29,000+ companies now employ Emirati talent across skilled roles, including managerial, technical, and administrative positions. The 33% increase in private sector establishments over the past year highlights expanding job opportunities for UAE nationals.
Sector-Wise Distribution
Emiratis are employed across six major sectors
✅ Business services
✅ Financial intermediation
✅ Trade & repair services
✅ Construction
✅ Manufacturing
Compliance & Penalties
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Companies with 50+ employees must increase Emiratisation by 2% annually (1% every six months).
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June 30, 2024 deadline: 7% Emiratisation in skilled roles.
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December 31, 2024 target: 8% Emiratisation.
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Fines for non-compliance: Dh7,000 per month per unfilled Emirati role.
Incentives for Compliant Firms
MoHRE rewards companies with strong Emiratisation records through:
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Up to 80% discounts on government service fees.
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Priority access to federal procurement contracts.
Crackdown on Fake Emiratisation
The UAE maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fraudulent hiring practices. MoHRE uses AI-powered inspections to detect violations, encouraging whistleblowers to report malpractice via:
📞 Call Centre: 600590000
📱 MoHRE App
🌐 Official Website
FAQs
Q1: What is the Emiratisation target for 2024?
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June 30, 2024: 7%
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December 31, 2024: 8%
Q2: Which companies must comply?
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Firms with 50+ employees in 14 key sectors must meet the 2% annual increase.
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Companies with 20–49 employees must hire at least one Emirati by year-end.
Q3: What happens if a company fails to meet Emiratisation targets?
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Fines of Dh7,000/month per unfilled role (increasing yearly).
Q4: How does the UAE prevent fake Emiratisation?
Digital inspections & whistleblower reports ensure compliance.
Wrapping Up
The UAE’s Emiratisation drive continues to break records, with over 152,000 citizens now thriving in private sector roles—a clear sign of the initiative’s success. The 12% surge in just two months underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating Emirati talent into key industries, supported by strict compliance measures, incentives for businesses, and a crackdown on fraudulent hiring.
As the 2025 targets approach, companies must stay on track to meet the 8% Emiratisation goal by December 2024 or face hefty fines. Meanwhile, the government’s rewards for compliant firms and AI-driven enforcement ensure a fair and sustainable job market for UAE nationals.
With more opportunities emerging across sectors, the future looks bright for Emirati professionals—and for businesses that embrace this transformative policy.
