Emiratisation Calendar 2026 to 2027: Key Dates and Deadlines
The next Emiratisation deadline is 31 December 2026, when companies with 50 or more employees must have added the second percentage point of skilled-role Emiratisation for 2026. The same day is the Central Bank deadline for 45% in banking and 30% in insurance. Exchange houses and finance companies follow on 31 December 2027.
Upcoming
| Date | What happens | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| 17 to 19 November 2026 | Tawdheef x Zaheb career fair, ADNEC Abu Dhabi | Emirati job seekers, employers |
| 31 December 2026 | Second-half 2026 target assessed (+1 point of skilled roles) | Mainland companies with 50+ employees |
| 31 December 2026 | Banking 45%, insurance 30% | Central Bank-licensed firms |
| January 2027 | Annual assessment for the 20 to 49 employee rule (retention) | Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 sectors |
| 31 December 2027 | Exchange houses and finance companies 30%; insurance-related professions 10% | Central Bank-licensed firms |
2026 so far
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | AED 6,000 Emirati minimum salary for new, renewed and amended permits |
| April 2026 | Nafis extended to 2040; new framework announced |
| 30 June 2026 | First-half target assessed; existing salaries had to reach AED 6,000 |
| 1 July 2026 | Contribution rises to AED 10,000 a month; Emiratis below AED 6,000 stop counting |
| September 2026 | Nafis salary support reset; child allowance cap removed; spousal scheme opens |
| 28 to 30 September 2026 | Ru'ya careers event, Dubai World Trade Centre |
Plan backwards from 31 December
A hire only counts once the work permit, MoHRE contract, WPS salary and pension registration are in place. Recruitment, offer acceptance and onboarding take weeks. Treat early December, not 31 December, as your practical cut-off, and confirm processing times for your establishment.
Sources
- MoHRE: 2026 targets and contributions. WAM via Zawya, 2026.
- CBUAE Emiratisation targets. Central Bank of the UAE, 22 April 2026.
- Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026. Informa.
This page explains UAE Emiratisation rules for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm against the official MoHRE, Nafis or Central Bank source linked above before acting. StrongYes is an independent publication and is not affiliated with MoHRE, Nafis, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council or any UAE government body. Full disclaimer.