Private Sector Enjoys Larger Cohort of Emirati Employees

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 23, 2026

By mid-2026, over 190,000 Emiratis were employed across more than 32,000 private sector companies in the UAE, marking a significant rise in national workforce participation outside government roles. This growth, driven by government initiatives like the Nafis programme and increasing private-sector compliance, signals a stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance sustainable career opportunities for Emirati nationals.

More than 190,000 Emirati men and women were employed in the United Arab Emirates’ private sector by mid-2026, according to updated data released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). These nationals worked across more than 32,000 private companies, marking a sustained increase in the participation of Emirati citizens outside the government workforce.

The ministry reported that approximately 95 percent of companies subject to Emiratisation policies met their national employment targets during the first half of the year. This reflects growing compliance among private employers and a broader shift in how Emirati talent is valued within the labour market.

Officials attributed the rise in Emirati private-sector employment to a combination of government policies, enhanced collaboration with private businesses, and programmes developed by MOHRE and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, which manages the Nafis initiative. These programmes aim to support citizens in entering the labour market, developing professional skills, and establishing sustainable careers across diverse economic sectors.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, provided guidance and support for these efforts, according to the ministry.

Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations, highlighted the strengthened commitment from private-sector firms and the recognition that Emirati employees contribute meaningfully to business performance. He emphasized the intent to continue partnering with companies to help them meet Emiratisation targets and retain nationals in sustainable employment opportunities.

“The increasing number of companies employing Emiratis signifies the development of a stronger partnership culture between government and private sectors,” Al Khoori added.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, described the milestone of more than 190,000 Emiratis working in the private sector as a significant achievement. He noted that Nafis has facilitated labour market entry by providing financial support, training, and professional development, while also shifting perceptions to view private-sector employment as a strategic career path for nationals. The Nafis programme’s extension through 2040 underscores a focus on improving job quality, diversity, and long-term stability, rather than solely increasing employment numbers.

Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for National Talent Empowerment at MOHRE, said companies have come to appreciate the value of investing in Emirati talent and fostering more diverse, capable workforces.

The ministry anticipates continued progress in the second half of 2026, especially among companies with 50 or more employees working to increase the share of Emiratis in skilled roles by one percent. Organisations that meet Emiratisation targets may qualify for the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers benefits such as discounts on ministry service fees and priority in government procurement.

Officials noted that the ongoing growth in Emirati employment within the private sector not only highlights the effectiveness of Emiratisation policies but also reflects the strength of the UAE’s economy and the entry of new businesses into the labour market.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.