UAE Emiratisation targets require private sector companies to hire UAE nationals. Here is the 2026 reference guide for UAE free zone companies on Emiratisation rules.
In this guide:
What Is Emiratisation?
- Policy: UAE government initiative requiring private sector companies to hire UAE nationals (Emiratis)
- NAFIS: The UAE national Emiratisation program; supports UAE nationals entering private sector
- Quota: Companies above threshold must meet annual Emirati hiring quotas
Who Is Subject to Emiratisation Quotas?
- Companies with 50+ employees: Subject to mandatory Emiratisation quota of 2% per year increase in Emirati employees
- Companies with fewer than 50 employees: Subject to lighter requirements; must register with NAFIS
- Free zone companies: Free zone companies ARE subject to Emiratisation requirements if they employ 50+ workers in UAE
2026 Emiratisation Targets
- Skilled roles: 2% annual increase in Emirati employees in skilled roles (skill levels 1-5 per ISCO classification)
- 2024 target: 2% of skilled workforce to be UAE nationals
- Target: 10% of skilled workforce by 2026 for companies with 50+ employees
Emiratisation Fines
- Non-compliance: AED 6,000 per month per unfilled Emirati quota position in 2024 (increases annually)
- NAFIS registration: Must be registered on NAFIS platform; penalties for non-registration
Free Zone Company Practical Implications
- Small companies (under 50): Limited Emiratisation burden; register on NAFIS; comply with reporting
- Large companies (50+): Must meet quotas; NAFIS subsidies available for Emirati hires (partial salary support)