Emiratisation Percentage: The Two Meanings Explained
"Emiratisation percentage" has two meanings. For employers, it is the share of a company's skilled roles held by qualifying Emiratis, which must reach 10% by the end of 2026 for companies with 50 or more employees on track since 2022. In labour-market discussion, it means the share of Emiratis in the national workforce, which is measured, not set.
The two meanings
| Compliance sense | National sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Measures | Emiratis as a share of your skilled roles | Emiratis as a share of the workforce or population |
| Used by | Employers, HR, compliance | Researchers, journalists |
| Typical figure | 10% of skilled roles by end 2026 | A national statistic |
| Set by | MoHRE | Nobody: it is measured |
If you want your company's obligation, see how to calculate Emiratisation. If you want national numbers, see Emiratisation statistics.
Working out your company's percentage
qualifying Emirati employees in skilled roles ÷ total skilled roles × 100
Qualifying means paid at least AED 6,000. Then add one point for the June assessment and another for December.
Two common errors
Applying it to total staff. It is skilled roles only.
Counting every Emirati on payroll. Since 1 July 2026, Emiratis paid below AED 6,000 are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
01What is the Emiratisation percentage in the UAE?
For employers with 50 or more employees, 10% of skilled roles by 31 December 2026, reached through two percentage points of growth a year.
02Is the Emiratisation rate the same for every company?
The growth requirement is the same, but each company's number of required Emiratis depends on its own skilled headcount.
Sources
- MoHRE: Emiratisation targets for 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.