Over 152,000 Emiratis now employed in private sector

The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has now crossed 152,000 — employed across more than 29,000 companies as of June 30, the deadline for meeting Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) credited this achievement to the effectiveness of the UAE’s Emiratisation policies and the Nafis programme, calling it a key milestone in integrating national talent into the private sector workforce.

UAE nationals are now employed in six major sectors including business services, construction, finance, trade and manufacturing, holding roles from specialists to managers and administrative staff.

The ministry also reported a 33 per cent year-on-year increase in private-sector companies operating in the UAE — a sign of ongoing economic expansion and a supportive business environment.

Looking ahead, the MoHRE is aiming for a further 1 per cent  increase in skilled Emirati hires at larger companies by year-end, while also requiring smaller firms (20 to 49 employees) in 14 key sectors to onboard at least one Emirati by December.

The ministry says it will continue offering incentives through the Nafis programme to support companies meeting their targets and reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong, competitive and inclusive national workforce.

Our latest statistics show that the number of Emirati citizens working in the private sector has surpassed 152,000, employed across more than 29,000 companies as of 30 June 2025, the deadline set for achieving Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year.

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— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) July 21, 2025