Government Emiratisation Recognition: Official Awards and Programmes
The UAE recognises employers for Emiratisation through official programmes. MoHRE runs the Emiratisation (Tawteen) Partners Club for companies that far exceed their targets, with up to 80% off MoHRE service fees and priority in government procurement. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council runs the Nafis Award for employers and Emirati professionals. These are government programmes; StrongYes does not give awards.
This is an independent explainer of official recognition, written from government and company sources. StrongYes does not run, judge or certify any of these programmes.
The official programmes
| Recognition | Run by | Who it recognises | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emiratisation (Tawteen) Partners Club | MoHRE | Companies that exceed their targets at least threefold, or train and hire at scale with Nafis | Partners Club |
| Nafis Award | Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council | Private-sector and banking employers, and Emirati professionals | Nafis Award |
| Recent recipients | Various | Organisations and people recognised in each cycle | Recipients |
How recognition connects to the rules
Recognition sits on top of compliance. Companies first meet their Emiratisation targets; the Partners Club then rewards those that go far beyond them. Missing a target leads to the monthly contribution instead.
How independent benchmarks differ
Official recognition reflects government criteria. The Emiratisation Excellence Index is a separate, independent StrongYes benchmark study of how employers develop and retain Emirati talent, built on public evidence.
Frequently asked questions
01What awards exist for Emiratisation in the UAE?
The main official ones are membership of MoHRE's Emiratisation (Tawteen) Partners Club and the Nafis Award run by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
02What are the benefits of the Emiratisation Partners Club?
Up to 80% off MoHRE service fees and priority in government procurement, according to MoHRE.
03Does StrongYes give Emiratisation awards?
No. StrongYes explains official programmes and publishes an independent benchmark, the Emiratisation Excellence Index. It does not award, certify or recognise companies.
Sources
- MoHRE reorganises Tawteen Partners Club membership requirements. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, 13 July 2022.
- Emiratisation: eight key benefits for compliant companies. Gulf News, quoting MoHRE, July 2025.
- Second edition of the Nafis Award. Gulf Today, 14 May 2024.
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.