Emiratization in United Arab Emirates: how the quota works
Emiratization is United Arab Emirates's policy requiring private-sector employers to employ a share of Emiratis in their workforce.
How the quota is set
Emiratisation is banded by company size: small firms are exempt, mid-sized firms in 14 strategic sectors must employ a fixed number of Emiratis, and firms with 50 or more skilled employees must have Emiratis in 10% of skilled roles by the end of 2026.
The UAE size bands
- Fewer than 20 skilled employees: exempt, with no Emiratisation quota.
- 20 to 49 skilled employees in the 14 strategic sectors: a fixed number of Emiratis rather than a percentage — one by the end of 2024 and two by the end of 2025.
- 50 or more skilled employees: Emiratis in 10% of skilled roles, reached through roughly 2% growth a year by the end of 2026 (Cabinet Resolution 18/2022).
The count for 20–49-employee firms from 2026 onward is not set in a decree we can cite yet; check the Nafis programme for your firm.
Tracking your ratio
AhlanHamad counts your Emiratis and your skilled workforce as you hire and as people leave, and applies the Nafis size bands above to show what your company owes.
General information, not legal advice. Quotas change by decision of the authority; confirm your establishment's requirement before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Emiratization percentage in United Arab Emirates?
Emiratisation is banded by company size: small firms are exempt, mid-sized firms in 14 strategic sectors must employ a fixed number of Emiratis, and firms with 50 or more skilled employees must have Emiratis in 10% of skilled roles by the end of 2026. The count for 20–49-employee firms from 2026 onward is not set in a decree we can cite yet; check the Nafis programme for your firm.
Who enforces Emiratization in United Arab Emirates?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), through the Nafis programme.
Do small companies in the UAE have to hire Emiratis?
Not below 20 skilled employees: those firms are exempt. Firms with 20 to 49 skilled employees in the 14 strategic sectors must employ a fixed number of Emiratis (one by the end of 2024, two by the end of 2025).
Start your 30-day free trial — no card