54,000 Emiratis took up private sector roles in last two years

Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called upon the private sector to expedite its efforts to meet 2023 Emiratisation targets before the end of the year.

The call is for private sector establishments employing 50 or more workers, the UAE state-run Wam news agency said, citing a ministry statement.

Over 84,000 Emiratis currently work in the private sector, with more than 54,000 entering the sector in the last two years.

• IT opportunities in UAE to leap 80% thanks to AI uptake
• UAE sees strongest job growth since 2016
• Talented Emiratis don’t have appetite for food-related jobs

In addition, the ministry has set a two percent annual growth rate in the Emiratisation of skilled jobs.

Companies falling short of the target have been urged to use the “Nafis” platform to employ Emirati job seekers.

“Nafis” is a federal initiative aimed at increasing the competitiveness of UAE nationals and empowering them to get skilled jobs in the country’s private sector.

Over 18,000 establishments have met the targets, leading to a “historic and unprecedented” increase in the number of citizens taking up roles in the private sector.

According to the ministry, its teams inspect compliance with Emiratisation policies and decisions, identify negative practices such as fake Emiratisation and attempts to circumvent Emiratisation decisions.

Companies faking Emiratisation numbers related to Nafis face fines between AED20,000 ($5,445.14) and AED100,000 for each Emirati employee.