How to Hire Emiratis: A Practical Guide for HR Teams
To hire an Emirati who counts toward your target, the role must be skilled (professional levels 1 to 5, an attested certificate above secondary and at least AED 4,000 a month excluding commission) and pay at least AED 6,000 a month, with a MoHRE contract, WPS salary and pension registration in place. Source candidates through the Nafis platform, graduate programmes, universities and career fairs, start at least three months before the deadline you are working to, and plan the first year so the hire stays.
Step 1: Size the need and set a date
Work out how many Emiratis you need and by when with the Emiratisation calculator, then use the hiring runway planner to find the latest date to start sourcing. A hire counts only once the permit, contract, WPS salary and pension registration are complete, so the real deadline is earlier than 31 December.
Step 2: Design roles that count and that people want
A role counts toward the main target only if it is skilled: professional levels 1 to 5, an attested certificate higher than secondary, and AED 4,000 a month or more excluding commission. Every Emirati private-sector role must also pay at least AED 6,000 a month. Beyond the minimum, the roles that attract and keep Emirati talent show the salary, describe real responsibility and set out a clear progression path. Use our job description template.
Step 3: Source in more than one place
| Channel | Best for |
|---|---|
| Nafis platform | Job seekers of every level; register as a partner and post vacancies |
| Graduate programmes | Building a pipeline of graduates over 12 months |
| University career services | Interns and final-year students |
| Career fairs such as Tawdheef | High-volume early-career hiring |
| Referrals from current Emirati staff | Experienced hires and cultural fit |
Step 4: Make an offer that holds up
- State total guaranteed pay, allowances and benefits in writing.
- Explain how Nafis support works for the candidate: eligible Emiratis on AED 6,000 to AED 20,000 can receive up to AED 6,000 a month (bachelor's), plus AED 600 per child a month, no limit on the number of children. Candidates often compare offers including this support; see the Offer Decoder.
- Set out the training, mentoring and first promotion criteria.
Step 5: Complete the steps that make a hire count
- Work permit and MoHRE contract.
- Salary paid through WPS at or above AED 6,000.
- Pension registration with the relevant pension authority.
- The employee's Nafis registration, so they receive support. See Nafis registration.
Step 6: Plan the first year
Retention is where Emiratisation delivers its full value. Strong programmes assign a manager and a mentor, set 90-day goals, rotate through the business where possible and review progress every quarter. Roles that offer genuine work and a visible next step keep people; roles that do not, lose them, and the target with them.
Getting it right
- Hiring for the headcount, not the role. Every Emirati hire should have real duties, a manager and a development plan; placements without them are treated as fictitious employment. See fake Emiratisation.
- Starting in December. Permits, contracts and WPS take time; start sourcing by early autumn.
- Paying just below a threshold. A role at AED 5,900 does not count and the employee is outside Nafis support.
Frequently asked questions
01What salary must an Emirati be paid in the private sector?
At least AED 6,000 a month. Whether this refers to basic or total salary has not been published in detail, so check the current MoHRE guidance before setting a package.
02How long does it take to hire an Emirati who counts toward the target?
It varies by company. Allow time for sourcing, interviews, the offer, notice periods and the permit, WPS and pension steps; the hiring runway planner lets you enter your own timings.
03Does an intern or trainee count toward the target?
Only employees in skilled roles with a MoHRE contract, WPS salary and pension registration count. Treatment of part-time and probation employees is not published in detail.
04Where do employers post jobs for UAE nationals?
On the official Nafis platform after registering as a partner, as well as through universities, graduate programmes and career fairs.
Sources
- Skill levels of jobs in the UAE. UAE Government portal.
- Nafis official platform. Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
- 30 June deadline for achieving Emiratisation targets for first half of 2026. WAM via Zawya, 2026.
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.