Emiratisation Jobs: UAE Firms Urged to Hire by 31 December
Emiratisation jobs push: MoHRE wants UAE firms with 50+ staff to hit their 2026 Emirati hiring targets by 31 December, with vacancies posted on Nafis.
UAEIn brief
- MoHRE is pressing private companies with 50 or more employees to reach their 2026 Emiratisation targets by 31 December.
- These firms must raise Emirati staff in skilled roles by a further 1% in the second half of 2026, making 2% for the full year.
- Employers are being told to advertise vacancies on Nafis and use the platform to reach Emirati candidates, from fresh graduates to experienced specialists.
- Fake or 'paper' hiring can be reported to MoHRE on 600590000 or through its website and app.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) |
| Official source | Gulf News – UAE calls on private firms to meet Emiratisation targets by December 31 ✓ gulfnews.com |
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is urging private companies to finish their Emiratisation jobs hiring for the year before 31 December 2026, Gulf News reported on 30 October. For Emirati job seekers, that means the next two months are one of the busiest hiring windows of the year, as firms race to fill skilled roles with UAE nationals.
Who has to hire, and how many
The push applies to private sector companies with 50 or more employees. Each of these firms has to grow the share of Emiratis in skilled positions in two steps.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Firms covered | Private companies with 50+ staff |
| Target for second half of 2026 | Extra 1% Emiratis in skilled roles |
| Total yearly increase | 2% |
| Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Main hiring channel | Nafis platform |
| Report fake jobs | 600590000, MoHRE website or app |
Because the 1% half-year target is on top of the first-half target, companies that are behind will need to recruit quickly in November and December.
Nafis is the main route
MoHRE wants employers to post their vacancies on Nafis and to use its tools to search for and contact Emirati candidates. The ministry says candidates on the platform range from recent graduates to experienced specialists, so openings are not limited to entry-level jobs. Gulf News also reported that the Nafis programme has been extended until 2040, which gives long-term support for Emiratis moving into private sector careers.
Firms must offer real jobs. That includes registering Emirati staff with the pension and social insurance system and paying salaries through approved channels. Hiring people only on paper to meet a quota is a violation.
How to apply
Emiratis should create or update their profile on the official Nafis platform, upload a current CV and set job preferences by sector and emirate. Employers searching for candidates in the run-up to 31 December will see complete profiles first.
What it means for job seekers
- Act now. Companies that are short of their target will be hiring hard before year-end.
- Look beyond entry level. Experienced Emiratis are also in demand for skilled positions.
- Check that an offer is real. A genuine job includes pension registration and salary paid through approved systems. Turn down any offer to be listed without real work, and report it on 600590000.
- Watch for career fairs. Year-end events, such as the Tawdheef x Zaheb fair in Abu Dhabi, bring many Nafis-linked employers into one room.
- Consider growth sectors. Banking, education and energy have all made recent Emirati hiring pledges, such as the 2,000 Emirati teacher roles in Abu Dhabi private schools.
More openings: all UAE jobs
Frequently asked questions
What is the Emiratisation deadline for 2026?
Private firms with 50 or more employees must meet their 2026 targets, including the second-half 1% rise in skilled Emirati roles, by 31 December 2026.
How can Emiratis find private sector jobs?
Register on the Nafis platform, where employers are being urged to post vacancies and contact candidates directly.
Who is covered by the new hiring push?
Companies with 50 or more workers, which must add 2% Emirati staff in skilled jobs over the year.
How do I report a fake Emiratisation job?
Call MoHRE on 600590000 or use the ministry's website or smart app.
Apply only on the official site.
Never pay anyone for a job, interview or visa.
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