Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that since the launch of the “Nafoos” program, 133,622 Emiratis have joined the private sector, marking a significant achievement in increasing the participation of Emirati citizens in this field. The program aims to enhance the competitive capabilities of the national workforce and empower citizens to secure roles within private institutions across the UAE.
Growth in Emirati Workforce
According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry, the young workforce in the UAE accounted for 54.96% of the total labor market in the first half of this year. By the end of July, the number of Emiratis who joined the private sector since the inception of the “Nafoos” program stood at 133,622 individuals, showcasing a thriving trend toward private employment among citizens.
Increased Employment Opportunities
As of July, the total number of Emirati employees in the private sector reached 152,271, working across more than 29,000 companies. Numerous collaborative programs have been established between “Nafoos” and various businesses to facilitate citizen employment. In the first half of this year alone, companies contributing to hiring women saw a growth rate of 6.04%. Since the launch of “Nafoos,” the total growth rate for businesses hiring women has reached approximately 27.54%, with skilled female workers making up 29.33% of the total skilled workforce in the same period.
Dominant Sectors and Economic Impact
Based on the Labor Market Observatory, wholesale and retail trade emerged as the leading sectors for growth in the skilled workforce within the private sector. Following closely were construction, administrative services, professional and technical activities, manufacturing, health and social work, finance, education, information technology, and transportation. The steady growth reflects a robust response to national localization policies and strategies.
Government Support and Forward-Looking Vision
The Ministry emphasizes that the ongoing success of Emiratisation in the private sector underscores the effectiveness of localization policies and the “Nafoos” initiative. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, these strategies yield notable results in both the number of citizens joining the private sector and the positive perceptions surrounding employment opportunities therein.
Furthermore, the Ministry stated, “The continuous record-breaking numbers of citizens working in the private sector reflect the sustainability of economic growth in the country, including the entry of new companies into the labor market.” Last year alone, new business growth reached 33%, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and forward-looking economic environment.
These developments are complemented by the proactive engagement of targeted companies in adopting localization policies, which reinforces their commitment to their responsibilities. The indicators presented mirror national efforts to comprehensively revamp the business sector in alignment with legal frameworks designed to meet developmental needs over the next fifty years.
As the private sector continues to thrive, these results encourage sustained growth and a larger share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), emphasizing the UAE’s status as an ideal destination for living, working, and investing. The ongoing attraction and retention of talent further support the trajectory of sustainable growth, ensuring a vibrant economic future.