As part of the UAE’s national strategy to empower Emiratis and build a sustainable economy, the government introduced new Emiratisation rules in 2022.
Originally targeting companies with 50 or more employees, the policy was expanded in 2024 to include smaller businesses with 20–49 staff.
Emiratisation’s aim is clear: to ensure UAE nationals play a central role in the private sector—across all industries, at every scale.
In this guide, we will explore the Emiratisation training and how it benefits the Emirati workforce.
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Which industries are affected?
Emiratisation applies to 14 strategic sectors that are critical to the country’s growth:
- ICT (Information & Communications Technology)
- Banking, Finance & Insurance
- Real Estate
- Education & Healthcare
- Manufacturing & Construction
- Transport & Storage
- Retail, Wholesale & Hospitality
- Arts, Entertainment & Culture
- Social & Technical Services
These sectors offer strong opportunities for Emirati talent. Businesses must be ready to support their development within these fields.
Read our guide to Emiratisation jobs to find out more.
Hiring targets and employer requirements
The UAE government has set clear targets:
- 8% Emirati workforce by 2025
- 10% by 2026
Companies must increase their Emirati staff by 1% every 6 months to stay on track. Larger companies (50+ employees) must also ensure 2% of skilled roles are held by Emiratis.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties starting at AED 96,000 per unfilled role, with increases each year.
More details are available via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
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We offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the essential topics. Our experienced instructors will provide you with the support and guidance that you need to succeed.
How ISM Dubai can help you meet these targets
As one of the UAE’s leading providers of corporate training and development, ISM Dubai helps businesses:
- Upskill Emirati talent to meet job-specific requirements
- Build custom training programs aligned to industry standards
- Provide soft skills, leadership, and technical workshops
- Support onboarding and professional growth for new hires
- Align training with Emiratisation reporting and compliance goals
Whether you are hiring your first Emirati employee or expanding your program across departments, our training expertise ensures your investment in local talent pays off.
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Compliance levels explained
Businesses are ranked in three tiers based on their Emiratisation efforts:
- Level 1 – Fully compliant with hiring and legal obligations
- Level 2 – Making good progress toward targets
- Level 3 – Not compliant over two financial years; subject to higher penalties and monitoring
Avoiding Level 3 status means taking action early—something ISM can support through training-based integration strategies.
Looking further ahead?
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Why Emiratisation matters for the long term
Emiratisation is not just a hiring initiative—it is a pillar of the UAE’s economic vision. Although it comes with its own challenges, it also offers a wide range of benefits and strengthens UAE’s workforce.
Investing in Emirati talent now builds a resilient, local workforce that contributes to national growth. With the right training programs in place, businesses not only meet legal requirements—they gain motivated, skilled professionals who grow with the company.
At ISM Dubai, we support this mission by helping organisations train and prepare Emiratis to succeed in real-world roles—bridging skills gaps and supporting long-term workforce development.
Enquire today to learn how we can take your employability to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a UAE government initiative that requires private companies to hire Emirati nationals based on company size and sector.
Yes. Companies with 20–49 employees must hire at least one Emirati by 2024 and a second by 2025.
Fines start at AED 96,000 per unfilled Emirati role and increase based on how long a business stays non-compliant.
Yes. Government programs and private training providers like ISM Dubai offer tailored upskilling to help Emiratis transition successfully into private sector roles.
We provide bespoke training, skills development workshops, and employee onboarding solutions to help you meet Emiratisation targets while building strong internal teams.
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