The Goal Sustained job creation throughout the year is key to supporting long-term economic development and ensuring meaningful integration of Emiratis into the private sector. Rather than rushing to meet targets at the end of the year, a consistent hiring approach allows companies to remain compliant while building a skilled and diverse workforce. To support this, the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022 mandates specific Emiratisation targets for private sector companies, based on the size of their workforce. These targets encourage ongoing planning and recruitment, helping businesses avoid last-minute compliance efforts and contribute more effectively to the national Emiratisation agenda. Key Policies Driving Emiratisation in 2025 The UAE government continues to reinforce Emiratisation as a strategic national objective through a set of clearly defined regulations and policy frameworks. These policies serve as key enablers for creating more job opportunities for UAE Nationals in diverse industries. By expanding Emiratisation to include both large and small businesses across 14 key sectors, it aligns with the national vision of creating a balanced and robust job market for Emiratis. Below are the core policies shaping Emiratisation in 2025: Ongoing Emiratisation Targets (2025-2026) • Increasing the percentage of Emiratisation annually by 2% of the total skilled workforce in targeted establishments with 50 or more workers, starting in 2022 for a period of five years, reaching a growth rate of 10% in 2026. • This structured approach ensures a consistent and sustainable integration of skilled Emirati talent across private sector industries. Expanded Scope – Inclusion of Smaller Businesses • Emiratisation targets have been extended to include companies with 20 to 49 employees, across 14 designated economic sectors. • These companies are obligated to employ one UAE National by the end of 2024 and an additional Emirati by the end of 2025, thereby broadening the reach of the Emiratisation policy. Enforcement & Compliance • Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022, along with its executive amendments, provides the legal framework to ensure corporate compliance with Emiratisation targets. • The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces corrective measures against non-compliant establishments, including fake Emiratisation or misrepresentation of employment data. Penalties include financial contributions and classification. Emiratisation targets extended to businesses with 20-49 employees across 14 key sectors. Emiratisation Policy Timeline (2022-2025) Emiratisation targets enforced for companies with 50+ employees (2% annual target). Semi-annual hiring rule introduced – 1% every six months instead of 2% yearly. Emiratisation expanded to 20-49 employee companies in 14 key sectors. First hiring deadline for businesses (with 20-49 employees) – one UAE National required. Second hiring deadline for businesses – another UAE National required. 2022 2023 Q3 2023 2024 2025 Year Key Milestones 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 4 Emiratisation Compliance & Targets (2025-2026) Emiratisation Targets – Companies With 50+ Employees All establishments registered with the Ministry that employ 50 or more employees must increase the current emiratisation rates by 2% annually in skilled positions, reaching 10% by 2026 by increasing the number of Emirati workers employed. Emiratisation Targets – Companies With 20-49 Employees Starting 2024, smaller private sector companies (20-49 employees) are now mandated to contribute to Emiratisation targets. At least 1 UAE National (in addition to current UAE nationals if any) At least 1 additional UAE National By Dec 2024 By Dec 2025 While Emiratisation policies have demonstrated notable success — surpassing established targets — private sector companies are expected to maintain full compliance with ongoing regulations and prepare for the final implementation phase by 2026. The strategic focus for 2025 remains on: • Sustained, year-round hiring efforts • Broadening private sector participation • Strengthening adherence through rigorous enforcement of existing laws KEY TAKEAWAY FOR 2025 Year Minimum Emirati Hires Required KEY UPDATE The policy update that mandates hiring 1% UAE Nationals every six months ensures that job creation is distributed throughout the year rather than concentrated at year-end. Companies must plan accordingly to remain compliant and avoid penalties. 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 5