Does Emiratisation Apply to My Company? Size and Sector Rules
Emiratisation targets apply to mainland private-sector establishments registered with MoHRE. Those with 50 or more employees have a percentage target on skilled roles in any sector. Those with 20 to 49 employees in 14 designated sectors had to hire one Emirati by the end of 2024 and a second by the end of 2025, and must now retain them. Below 20 employees there is currently no requirement.
How many employees before Emiratisation applies?
| Employees | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Under 20 | None currently |
| 20 to 49, in a designated sector | A fixed number of Emirati hires, then retention |
| 20 to 49, outside those sectors | None currently |
| 50 or more | Percentage target on skilled roles, any sector |
All of this applies to mainland establishments. Companies registered only in a free zone are outside MoHRE's framework; see free zones. Run the applicability checker for your own case.
The count is total headcount
The threshold uses all employees registered on the establishment. Once you are in scope, the target is calculated on skilled roles only.
Companies with 20 to 49 employees
Ministerial Resolution No. 455 of 2023 set a fixed requirement: one Emirati by the end of 2024 and a second by the end of 2025. From 2026 the rule is retention: keep both. MoHRE assesses smaller companies annually, with the contribution payable in January of the following year: AED 96,000 for missing the 2024 target (paid January 2025) and AED 108,000 for missing the 2025 target (paid January 2026). This schedule applies only to eligible companies with 20 to 49 employees in the 14 sectors; it is separate from the monthly contribution for companies with 50 or more. If an Emirati later leaves, the company must hire a replacement within the period set by the resolution. No amount for later years has been published.
The 14 designated sectors
- Information and communications
- Financial and insurance activities
- Real estate activities
- Professional, scientific and technical activities
- Administrative and support services
- Education
- Healthcare and social work
- Arts and entertainment
- Mining and quarrying
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Transportation and storage
- Accommodation and food services
Classification follows your trade licence, not how you describe the business. Between 20 and 49 employees, that one fact decides whether you have an obligation.
Crossing a threshold
The obligation arrives with the headcount. Crossing 20 in a designated sector brings the fixed-hire rule; crossing 50 moves you onto the percentage target. Model it before the hire that takes you over the line.
Group companies
Each MoHRE-registered establishment is assessed on its own. Group headcount is not combined, and one entity's surplus does not offset another's shortfall.
What is not an exemption
- Difficulty recruiting: the contribution attaches to the unfilled position, not the effort.
- Being newly established: the obligation attaches to the establishment as it stands.
- Employing Emiratis below AED 6,000: they reduce your count rather than satisfy it.
Frequently asked questions
01Does Emiratisation apply to companies with fewer than 20 employees?
Not currently. MoHRE's requirements start at 20 employees in designated sectors and at 50 employees in any sector.
02Which sectors are covered for companies with 20 to 49 employees?
Fourteen: information and communications, finance and insurance, real estate, professional and technical services, administrative services, education, healthcare, arts and entertainment, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail, transport and storage, and accommodation and food services.
03How many Emiratis must a company with 20 to 49 employees employ?
Two: one hired by the end of 2024 and one by the end of 2025, both retained from 2026.
04Are group companies assessed together?
No. Each MoHRE-registered establishment is assessed on its own registered workforce.
Sources
- Ministerial Resolution No. 455 of 2023 on Emiratisation in establishments with 20 to 49 employees. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Minimum wage and Emiratisation targets for 20 to 49 employee companies. Access Financial, citing u.ae.
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.