Emiratization - dda
Emiratization
Emiratization is employment of UAE citizens in private sector. It is one of the highest priorities of the UAE government. The Emirati Human Resources Competitiveness Council, ‘Nafis’, implements national initiatives aimed at increasing Emiratisation in the private sector.
Emiratization quotas
Establishments with 50 employees or more
According to Ministerial Resolution No. 279 of 2022, establishments registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation employing 50 workers or more, are required to increase their Emiratisation rate from high-skilled jobs by 2 percent annually, with the objective of reaching a cumulative ten per cent increase by 2026.
To ensure compliance, the resolution introduces financial contributions for establishments that fail to meet the required Emiratisation targets. Non-compliant establishments are obliged to pay a monthly contribution of AED 6,000 for every citizen who has not been employed, and this amount increases annually by AED 1,000 until 2026. If companies continue to default on these payments, additional administrative measures may be taken, including restrictions on obtaining work permits or changes to their compliance classification.
Establishments with 20 to 49 employees
Pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No. (455) of 2023, private sector establishments that employ between 20 and 49 workers and operate within the specified economic activities are required to appoint one UAE national no later than 31 December 2024, and a second Emirati employee by 31 December 2025. These requirements apply exclusively to companies engaged in designated strategic sectors, including:
Information and communications
Financial and insurance activities
Real estate activities
Professional, scientific and technical activities
Administrative and support services
Education
Healthcare and social work activities
Arts and entertainment
Mining and quarrying industry
Manufacturing
Construction
Wholesale and retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Hospitality services
Companies that fail to appoint the first required Emirati by the end of 2024 are subject to an annual contribution of AED 96,000 starting in January 2025. Those that do not hire the second Emirati by the end of 2025 incur a higher annual contribution of AED 108,000 beginning in January 2026. Additionally, if a company meets the target but later loses an Emirati employee for any reason, it must recruit a replacement within two months; otherwise, it will be treated as non-compliant and subject to the same financial obligations.
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