Emiratisation Glossary: Key Terms, Acronyms and Arabic Words
Quick answer
A short glossary of the terms used in UAE Emiratisation rules, with the Arabic where it helps and a link to the page that explains each one.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Emiratisation (Emiratization) | The UAE's programme to increase Emirati employment in the private sector. More |
| Tawteen (التوطين) | Arabic for localisation; the word used for Emiratisation |
| MoHRE | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين). More |
| Nafis (نافس) | Federal programme supporting Emiratis in private-sector jobs. More |
| ETCC | Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, which runs Nafis |
| Skilled role | Professional levels 1 to 5, attested certificate above secondary, AED 4,000+ a month. More |
| Target | Required growth in the Emirati share of skilled roles: 2 points a year. More |
| Contribution | Monthly charge per unfilled position when a target is missed: AED 10,000 from July 2026. More |
| Fake Emiratisation | Registering an Emirati in a role that is not genuine, or circumventing targets. More |
| Emiratisation Partners Club | Recognition for companies that exceed targets: up to 80% off MoHRE fees and procurement priority |
| WPS | Wage Protection System: salaries paid electronically through approved channels |
| GPSSA | General Pension and Social Security Authority, which runs pensions for UAE nationals. More |
| Establishment classification | MoHRE's rating of employers, which sets work permit fees |
| CBUAE | Central Bank of the UAE, which sets banking and insurance targets. More |
| Ethraa | The Central Bank's graduate programme for banking and insurance. More |
| UAE Pass | The national digital identity used to sign in to Nafis. More |
| Family Book (خلاصة القيد) | Emirati family registration document often requested by employers |
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.