UAE has urged private sector enterprises to meet their Emiratization targets by December 31 to avoid penalties for failing to meet the statutory rates. Private companies that fail to achieve the required requirements would face financial penalties on January 1, 2026, according to a warning from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre).
By the end of the year, enterprises with 50 or more employees must meet emiratization standards, which call for a two percent increase in the proportion of Emirati residents employed in specialized positions.
Some businesses that employ 20–49 people and operate in certain economic areas that are expanding quickly and have the capacity to create jobs and a good working environment are also subject to the same deadline.
Before January 1, 2026, these businesses must hire at least one UAE national and keep the individuals who are already employed by them.
Companies that fail to comply will face legal repercussions, which may include having their status revised and having their classification downgraded in the ministry's establishment categorization system.
The ministry suggested that businesses use the Nafis portal to connect with job-seeking citizens to help them fulfill their Emiratization obligations.
They were also reminded of its monitoring system, which not only identifies destructive behaviors like "Fake Emiratization" schemes and efforts to evade objectives, but it has also been significantly improved by using cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates have been asked to report crimes and infractions that violate the nation's Emiratization regulations to the ministry's call center at 600590000 or via its website and smart application.
