Firms with 50 or more employees are required to achieve their H1 2026 hiring targets by June 30.
Dubai: The MoHRE has reminded private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for H1 2026 by June 30, warning that financial penalties will take effect for non-compliant firms from July 1.
The ministry said companies covered under the policy must achieve a 1% increase in Emirati employment in skilled roles during the first half of the year. This requirement is part of the UAE’s wider Emiratisation programme, which mandates a total annual increase of 2%, evenly split between the first and second halves of the year.
MoHRE also urged employers that have not yet met their targets to use the Nafis platform, which links businesses with qualified Emirati jobseekers across a broad range of professional fields and specialisations.
Reaffirming the strategic importance of Emiratisation, the ministry said increasing the participation of UAE nationals in the private sector remains a national priority and a key pillar of the country’s economic and development agenda. It also underscored the role of private sector partnerships in driving sustainable growth, strengthening competitiveness, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for Emiratis.
Key sectors
The ministry expressed confidence that businesses will be able to meet the targets, pointing to the UAE’s strong economic performance and ongoing expansion across key sectors.
Companies that exceed Emiratisation requirements will continue to benefit from incentives, including membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club. The programme provides discounts of up to 80% on MoHRE service fees and offers priority access to government procurement opportunities.
Fines
MoHRE said financial contributions will be imposed on firms that fail to meet their targets from July 1. Non-compliant companies will be required to pay Dh10,000 per month, or Dh120,000 annually, for each unfilled Emirati position.
The ministry also warned against attempts to bypass the policy through so-called “fake Emiratisation” practices, describing them as serious labour market violations. It added that its advanced digital monitoring and inspection systems can detect fraudulent activity, with offenders facing legal action.
MoHRE further urged the public to report violations via its call centre, website, or smart application.
