Non-Compliance Penalties Failure to meet the above targets will result in financial contributions as stipulated below: • AED 108,000 annually for companies failing to achieve their Emiratisation target per required UAE National by the end of 2025. Employer Responsibility & Flexibility MoHRE emphasises that compliance with Emiratisation policies is the sole responsibility of each establishment. Employers maintain complete discretion over: • Job categories • Compensation levels • Role locations • Sector-specific workforce planning This flexibility enables organisations to recruit UAE Nationals in roles best aligned with their operational and business needs. All private sector establishments can access their Emiratisation performance data via the MoHRE mobile application or on the official MoHRE website. These platforms provide real-time updates on target requirements and workforce status, enabling businesses to plan proactively and avoid non-compliance. Calculation of Emiratisation Rate The number of UAE Nationals required for Emiratisation compliance is determined by the total number of skilled workers within the company. To ensure clarity and ease of implementation, MoHRE has defined the following five occupational categories as skilled roles: Only employees who fall within these categories are considered when calculating the Emiratisation percentage. Managers Professionals Technicians and Associate Professionals Clerical Support Workers Service and Sales Workers FINAL REMINDER All private sector companies are advised to adopt a proactive approach to Emiratisation hiring and compliance. Timely adherence not only avoids financial penalties but also contributes meaningfully to the development of a balanced, skilled, and future-ready national workforce. How to Calculate Your Emiratisation Targets? The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken significant steps to support private sector companies in tracking and meeting their Emiratisation targets. Through a set of digital tools and dashboards, employers can now easily monitor their compliance and progress. 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 1 6 Company Classification Breakdown Companies that fully comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and all MoHRE regulations, while also achieving one or more of the following: • Exceeding Emiratisation targets by at least 3 times the required rate. • Partnering with NAFIS to train at least 500 UAE Nationals annually. • Classified as an SME or an innovative project at a federal/local level. • Operating as a training & employment center that supports workforce planning policies and cultural diversity. • Operating within a key sector as determined by the Cabinet. • One of the ZONE CORP establishments. Companies that comply with all MoHRE labor laws, including work permits, employment contracts, and the Wages Protection System (WPS), while also promoting cultural and demographic diversity in skilled workforce hiring. Companies that fail to meet their Emiratisation targets or do not adhere to UAE labor laws are categorized here. Through this system, MoHRE promotes fair labour practices, cultural and demographic diversity, and long-term workforce sustainability across the UAE’s private sector. Eligibility Requirements for Emiratisation Calculation For a UAE National employee to be counted toward the company’s Emiratisation quota, the following conditions must be met as per Ministerial Resolution No. (279) of 2022: Valid Work Permit The UAE National must hold a valid work permit issued by MoHRE. Wage Payment Compliance Salaries must be paid through the Wages Protection System (WPS) or any other authorised system. Pension Registration Employees must be registered with one of the UAE’s official pension plans, and employers must continue paying the pension contributions periodically. Legitimate Employment Contract The employment relationship must comply with Labour Relations Regulation Law No. 33 of 2021, along with its executive regulations and associated decisions. MoHRE Company Classification The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) introduced a structured company classification system in 2022, which remains in effect as of 2025. This system evaluates private sector establishments based on their compliance with Emiratisation targets, adherence to labour regulations, and alignment with national workforce policies. The classification framework is designed to reward companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to Emiratisation and regulatory compliance, while applying corrective measures to establishments that fall short of these standards. Through this system, MoHRE promotes fair labour practices, cultural and demographic diversity, and long-term workforce sustainability across the UAE's private sector. CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 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 1 7