As the UAE advances toward becoming a sustainable, knowledge-based economy, Emiratisation has emerged as a key driver of national growth and workforce development. This government-led initiative, designed to boost Emirati participation in the labour market, is reshaping the country’s economic landscape by creating meaningful career opportunities for UAE nationals, building skills, and strengthening national identity across industries.
Traditionally, Emiratis represented only a small percentage of the private-sector workforce, with earlier reports showing participation as low as 0.34 percent. Today, thanks to strong momentum from national programs such as NAFIS, change is becoming more visible. More than 131,000 UAE nationals are now employed in the private sector, signalling significant progress in representation, diversity, and opportunities for long-term career development.
Despite this growth, challenges persist in key industries where participation levels remain modest. For example, as of June 2025, Emiratis accounted for just 22 percent of employees in the insurance sector, with 2,159 nationals out of a total workforce of 9,773. To close these gaps, the UAE has set ambitious new goals, targeting 50–60 percent Emirati representation in the sector by 2030. Significantly, the vision goes beyond filling roles it focuses on placing Emiratis in senior positions and leadership roles, ensuring their contributions leave a lasting, high-level impact.
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