Workforce and Talent
Labour market growth
| Indicator, 2021 to 2025 | Change |
|---|---|
| Workforce | +101.76% |
| Skilled workers | +49.92% |
| Companies in the market | +45.76% |
Source: MOHRE: Built for stability, UAE labour market growth 2021 to 20252
The workforce grew 12% in 2025 alone. The population rose 5.7% in 2024 to 11,294,243.3,1
Emiratisation rules
| Company size | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 50 or more employees | Raise Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% a year, 1% each half-year |
| 20 to 49 employees, in specified sectors | Hire at least one Emirati and keep those already employed |
Source: MOHRE: Emiratisation targets; Emirates News Agency (WAM): 30 June deadline for Emiratisation targets for H1 20265,7
- The minimum monthly wage for Emiratis in the private sector is AED 6,000 from 1 January 2026.
- Companies that miss their target pay a monthly contribution for each Emirati not hired, which started at AED 6,000 in 2023 and rises by AED 1,000 a year.
- Emirati staff must be registered in the pension and social security system within a month of their work permit.
Source: UAE Government Portal: Employing Emiratis in the private sector6
In the first half of 2026, 95% of companies subject to the rules met their targets. Nearly 32,000 companies now employ Emiratis, and companies that perform well get discounts of up to 80% on some MOHRE fees.8
Worker protection
99% of workers are covered by the Wage Protection System and the Workers Protection Programme, and over 90% of private-sector workers have unemployment insurance.4
A salary benchmark page by role is planned. Until then, ask recruiters in the directory for current pay ranges in your sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Emiratisation rules for private companies?
Companies with 50 or more employees must raise the share of Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% a year, 1% in each half. Companies with 20 to 49 employees in specified sectors must hire at least one Emirati. The minimum monthly wage for Emiratis in the private sector is AED 6,000 from 2026.
Sources
- Gulf News: UAE population hits 11.3 million in 2024, FCSC figures
- MOHRE: Built for stability, UAE labour market growth 2021 to 2025
- MOHRE: Abu Dhabi Dialogue 2026
- MOHRE: Future of Work Forum 2026
- MOHRE: Emiratisation targets
- UAE Government Portal: Employing Emiratis in the private sector
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): 30 June deadline for Emiratisation targets for H1 2026
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Emiratisation agenda advances (October 2026)
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.