Emiratisation Award Recipients: Nafis Award Winners by Edition
Recipients we have verified so far: in the first Nafis Award, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Masar Recruitment Services and KPMG won their size categories. In the third cycle (2024 to 2025), ADIB won the Diamond category and National Bank of Fujairah placed second among medium-sized banking entities. We add names only when an official or company source confirms them.
We list a recipient only when an official announcement or the recipient's own release confirms it. This page is updated when each new cycle is announced.
Nafis Award, third cycle (2024 to 2025)
| Recipient | Category | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) | Diamond category | Winner | ADIB, 24 October 2025 |
| National Bank of Fujairah | Medium-sized entities, banking sector | Second place | NBF, 12 November 2025 |
Nafis Award, second edition (May 2024)
Thirty Emirati professionals won the top three places across ten individual subcategories, and establishments from 14 sectors were honoured. The published reports we reviewed did not list the names. Under verification
Nafis Award, first edition (2023)
| Recipient | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Majid Al Futtaim | Large companies (1,000+ employees) | Winner |
| Al Masar Recruitment Services | Medium companies (500 to 999) | Winner |
| KPMG | Small companies (under 500) | Winner |
A further 21 companies were recognised for achieving Emiratisation targets and training.
Was your organisation recognised?
Send us the official announcement and we will add it after checking: write to partner@strongyes.co.
How independent benchmarks differ
These are official awards. The Emiratisation Excellence Index is an independent StrongYes benchmark study of how employers develop and retain Emirati talent.
Frequently asked questions
01Who won the Nafis Award?
In the first edition, Majid Al Futtaim, Al Masar Recruitment Services and KPMG won their size categories. In the third cycle, ADIB won the Diamond category.
02How often is the Nafis Award given?
Three editions have been held so far: 2023, May 2024 and the 2024 to 2025 cycle honoured in October 2025.
Sources
- Mansour bin Zayed honours winners of second Nafis Award. WAM, Emirates News Agency, 14 May 2024.
- Majid Al Futtaim, Al Masar and KPMG win Nafis Emiratisation awards. Consultancy-me.com, May 2023.
- Sheikh Mansour honours winners of second Nafis Award. Gulf Today, 14 May 2024.
- ADIB wins Diamond category at Nafis Award. ADIB, 24 October 2025.
- National Bank of Fujairah honoured in Nafis Award. NBF, 12 November 2025.
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.