Emiratisation is the UAE’s programme to increase the share of UAE nationals in private-sector jobs. It is enforced by MOHRE and supported by the Nafis programme, which subsidises Emirati salaries and training.
Who must hire Emiratis
| Company size | Obligation |
|---|---|
| 50+ employees | Add 2% skilled Emiratis a year (1% per half-year), reaching 10% by the end of 2026 |
| 20–49 employees in 14 listed sectors | One Emirati by the end of 2024 and a second by the end of 2025. No further step had been announced for 2026 at the time of writing |
The 14 sectors include information and communications, finance and insurance, real estate, professional and technical services, education, health, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, wholesale and retail, and transport and storage. Check MOHRE’s list for your activity code.
The AED 6,000 salary floor
From 1 January 2026, Emiratis employed in the private sector must earn at least AED 6,000 a month. The floor applies to new, renewed or amended work permits. Employers had until 30 June 2026 to raise existing salaries; from 1 July 2026, sanctions include permit suspension and exclusion from the Emiratisation count.
Cost of missing the target
Companies that miss their target pay a financial contribution per missing Emirati: AED 108,000 for 2025 (AED 9,000 a month) and AED 120,000 for 2026 (AED 10,000 a month, collected from July 2026). Smaller companies paid AED 96,000 for a 2024 shortfall and AED 108,000 for 2025. The Nafis programme itself was extended to 2040 in June 2026. Fake Emiratisation, such as paying a national who doesn’t actually work, is penalised far more heavily and can lead to downgrading of the company’s classification.
Payroll implications
- GPSSA pension: Emirati hires must be registered within a month. New joiners contribute 11% and the employer 15%, with a 2.5% government subsidy below AED 20,000. See the UAE payroll guide.
- Gratuity doesn’t apply to Emiratis covered by GPSSA. They receive a pension instead.
- WPS: Emirati salaries must be paid through WPS like everyone else’s. See WPS explained.
- Nafis support can offset part of the salary cost for eligible roles. Check eligibility before setting the offer.
Emiratisation counts are checked against GPSSA registration and WPS payments. A national is counted only if both are in order.