The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has said the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector has risen to 190,000 men and women employed across 32,000 companies, as the UAE continues to advance its Emiratisation agenda with the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
The progress reflects the strength of the strategic partnership with the private sector, which remains a key pillar in expanding the participation of Emirati men and women across the country’s economic sectors.
According to the latest indicators, about 95 per cent of companies covered by Emiratisation policies achieved their first-half 2026 targets, underscoring the growing commitment of private-sector firms to hiring nationals and offering them quality career opportunities.
Khaleel Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Labour Market Operations and Emiratisation, said the results reflect the increasing commitment of private-sector establishments to the targets, as well as their willingness to benefit from national talent as a valuable addition to the business environment.
He said the figures also confirm the effectiveness of the partnership between the public and private sectors in achieving the UAE’s national objectives, adding that the continued recording of historic levels in Emiratisation reflects the sustainability of economic growth in the country.
Mr Al Khoori noted that the rise in the number of Emiratis working in the private sector, together with the widening base of companies employing nationals, demonstrates the development of the business environment and the growing role of the private sector in supporting economic development.
Ghanem Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, said the number of Emiratis working in the private sector passing 190,000 is a defining national milestone that reflects the UAE’s vision of investing in human capital.
He said it also marks a genuine shift in perceptions about private-sector work, which has become a strategic career choice for national talent and a key partner in the country’s economic development journey.
He added that extending the Nafis programme until 2040 reflects a forward-looking approach for the next phase, one that moves from quantitative Emiratisation to qualitative Emiratisation by providing a stable and attractive working environment and a range of professional opportunities across economic sectors.
For her part, Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for the National Talent Empowerment Sector at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said the ministry continues to monitor the implementation of Emiratisation targets in cooperation with private-sector establishments, while focusing on raising awareness of the importance of compliance with the policies and decisions governing the file and providing a supportive work environment that helps attract and retain national talent.
She added that companies’ commitment to meeting Emiratisation targets reflects their understanding of the importance of investing in national capabilities and their role in building more diverse, efficient and adaptable teams able to keep pace with economic growth, while also embodying the private sector’s role as a key partner in achieving national objectives.
The Emiratisation drive in the private sector is expected to continue delivering further gains in the second half of 2026, with ongoing targets calling for 1 per cent growth in the Emiratisation of skilled jobs at companies employing 50 people or more.
Companies that comply with Emiratisation policies and meet the targets receive a range of supporting benefits through membership of the Emiratisation Partners Club, including financial discounts of up to 80 per cent on Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation service fees, as well as priority in the government procurement system.
Khaleel Al Khoori:
The Emiratisation results reflect private-sector commitment and the development of partnership to achieve the targets.
Ghanem Al Mazrouei:
The private sector is a strategic career choice for national talent.
Farida Al Ali:
95% of establishments covered by Emiratisation policies met their first-half targets.