Deadline for firms to achieve Emiratisation targets for first half of 2026 ends on June 30

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has affirmed that Tuesday (June 30), is the deadline for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026.

These targets are aimed at increasing the private sector companies’ skilled Emirati workforce by 2 per cent annually, 1 per cent in each of the first and second halves of the year.

MoHRE called on the targeted companies to take advantage of the Nafis platform, which is full of Emirati job-seekers from all fields of specializations to meet their requirements for qualified and trained cadres.

Emiratisation policies are fundamental for achieving the country’s ambitious economic strategies and pioneering orientations for the future, it added, stressing the pivotal role of partnership with the private sector in achieving the goals of quality Emiratisation policies in enhancing competitiveness and sustainable growth and achieving the effective participation of Emiratis in the labour market.

MoHRE said it was still committed to providing competitive benefits and advantages to companies that achieve exceptional Emiratisation results by listing them as members in Tawteen Partners Club, enabling them to benefit from discounts of up to 80 per cent on MoHRE’s service fees and granting them priority in the government procurement system, thereby enhancing their business growth opportunities.

MoHRE is scheduled to begin implementing financial contributions on non-compliant companies, starting from July 1, 2026, amounting to Dhs10,000 per month, equivalent to Dhs120,000 annually for each Emirati who has not been appointed in private sector companies.

It warned against attempts to manipulate Emiratisation targets and resort to sham Emiratisation, which is considered a serious violation in the labour market.

It highlighted its leading digital and field inspection system and its ability to detect violations and transgressions, which would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law and regulations in force.

MoHRE underscored the importance for Emiratis and members of society to support the government’s strategic orientations and report any violations and negative cases that conflict with Emiratisation policies by contacting its call centre on 600590000 or its smart app. and website.