The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has increased significantly, reaching nearly 96,000 by the end of 2023. This marks a 170% increase since 2021, as per data shared by the Ministry of Human Resources and Human Resources (MoHRE). The second edition of ‘Making Emiratisation a Success Guide for 2024’ was recently launched by TASC in cooperation with MoHRE. A study revealed that 77.65% of Emiratis use the Nafis initiative for job searches, with 56.64% finding it helpful in their career journey.
The study also found that the majority of Emiratis are satisfied with their current jobs, with 62.8% prioritizing work-life balance, 59% valuing job security, and 58.4% focusing on career development. Employers are increasingly preferring to hire UAE nationals permanently, with 52.30% opting for this approach. The survey included responses from over 5,500 participants across different industries, highlighting the perspectives of UAE nationals, employers, and employees.
Employers are concentrating their Emiratisation efforts on various roles, with a focus on customer service (42.40%), sales and marketing (42.05%), and operations (33.57%). Ahmad Yousuf Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of National Human Resources Development at MoHRE, emphasized the positive impact of Emiratisation on businesses and its role in economic diversification and growth. Private sector employers are optimistic about the Emiratisation strategy, with many planning to hire up to 10 UAE nationals and some considering a larger number.
Mahesh Shahdadpuri, founder and CEO of TASC Outsourcing, highlighted the willingness of both candidates and employers to integrate Emiratisation into the UAE’s work culture. A significant portion of candidates (72.47%) are open to working in both the public and private sectors, while 78% of employers are prepared to hire up to 10 UAE national professionals. These statistics indicate a growing initiative to make Emiratisation a key element of the UAE’s workforce. Overall, the Emiratisation trend is showing positive growth and progress in integrating Emiratis into the private sector workforce, with a shared vision of long-term economic development and diversity.
In conclusion, the Emiratisation initiative has seen significant success in increasing the number of Emiratis working in the private sector. With support from both employers and employees, there is a growing emphasis on hiring UAE nationals for various roles and promoting work-life balance, job security, and career development. The efforts to integrate Emiratis into the workforce are seen as crucial for the long-term economic growth and sustainability of the UAE. As more employers focus on Emiratisation strategies and more candidates show interest in contributing to both public and private sectors, the future of Emiratisation in the UAE looks promising.
