Jobseeker Insights Challenges in Finding Jobs 59.05% of UAE National jobseekers struggle to find roles that match their skills and career aspirations. Top Job Search Platform 55.95% of UAE National jobseekers use NAFIS to find employment opportunities. Employee Insights Job Satisfaction 56.94% of UAE Nationals report overall satisfaction in their current roles. Key Retention Factors • Salary (45.55%) • Job Security (42.91%) • Career Development Opportunities (37.22%) Employer Insights Top Hiring Challenges • Unrealistic salary expectations (50.48%) • Candidate shortages (28.47%) • Technical skill gaps (13.40%) Top In-Demand Roles for UAE Nationals • Operations • HR & Administration • Sales & Marketing Remote Work Policies • 52.51% of companies have no hybrid work policy. • 30.11% offer full flexibility (remote work). AI, Skills, and Future Readiness Confidence in Skills • 82.97% of UAE Nationals believe they have the skills to succeed in the private sector. Most Valued Skills • Communication (70.78%) • Leadership (51.73%) • IT and Digital Skills (45.88%) “While the appetite for long-term employment is growing, aligning salary expectations with market realities remains a critical priority.” Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this survey explores the evolving dynamics of UAE National employment in the private sector. It aims to provide actionable insights to support Emiratisation strategies, talent acquisition planning, and policy refinement across the UAE's workforce ecosystem. M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 2 0 This survey was conducted across three key audience segments within the UAE, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Emiratisation landscape from both employee and employer perspectives. The first segment targeted UAE Nationals across all seven Emirates. Respondents were first asked to identify their current employment status, allowing the survey to be bifurcated into two distinct respondent groups: currently employed UAE Nationals and UAE National jobseekers. This approach ensured the collection of focused insights that reflect the unique experiences and expectations of both demographics. The second segment was directed at private-sector employers, with the objective of understanding their Emiratisation strategies, hiring practices, and perceived challenges. The survey was distributed via email and SMS to a representative sample across all segments. In total, 2,000 responses were received from UAE National employees and jobseekers, alongside 450 responses from employers The Survey Scope and Methodology 9 0 0 E M I R AT I J O B S E E K E R S 1 1 0 0 E M I R AT I E M P LOY E E S 4 5 0 P R I VAT E S E C T O R E M P LOY E R S M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 2 1