Emiratisation Rules: Targets, Skilled Roles and Contributions
Quick answer
Emiratisation rules apply to mainland private companies with 50 or more employees (any sector) or 20 to 49 employees (14 sectors). Larger companies must grow the Emirati share of skilled roles by one point every six months, reaching 10% by end 2026; an Emirati counts if paid at least AED 6,000; a missed position costs AED 10,000 a month from 1 July 2026.
Every rule, with the page that explains it
| Question | Short answer | Full page |
|---|---|---|
| Does it apply to me? | 50+ employees any sector; 20 to 49 in 14 sectors; mainland only | Who must comply |
| What is the 2026 target? | +1 point of skilled roles by 30 June, +1 by 31 December | Targets 2026 |
| How do I calculate it? | Qualifying Emiratis ÷ skilled roles | How to calculate |
| What is a skilled role? | Levels 1 to 5, attested certificate above secondary, AED 4,000+ | Skilled roles |
| Who counts? | Emiratis paid at least AED 6,000 | Minimum salary |
| What if I miss it? | AED 10,000 per position per month | Contribution |
| Free zones? | Outside MoHRE targets; mainland licences assessed separately | Free zones |
| What is fake Emiratisation? | Non-genuine roles; penalties up to AED 500,000 per establishment | Fake Emiratisation |
| What changed in 2026? | Five changes, January to September | Law and changes 2026 |
| Who enforces it? | MoHRE | MoHRE |
| What does "percentage" mean? | Company target vs national statistic | Emiratisation percentage |
Tools
- Emiratisation target calculator: your 2026 target, gap and monthly contribution.
- Applicability checker: does Emiratisation apply to your company?
Sources
- MoHRE: 2026 targets and contributions. WAM via Zawya, 2026.
- Professional levels of jobs in the UAE. UAE Government portal.
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.