Building a future-ready workforce through Emiratisation

From boom to balance: UAE’s journey to a nationalised workforce

The United Arab Emirates has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. Once a collection of independent sheikhdoms reliant on fishing, trade, and pearling, the discovery of oil in 1962 ushered in an era of unprecedented economic prosperity. This attracted skilled expatriates who played a pivotal role in developing the country's infrastructure and industries.

This influx of foreign talent has continued, with expatriates currently constituting the majority of the UAE's population. Emiratis make up only 11.5% of the total population, and their participation in the workforce remained limited until the turn of the century. A study conducted in the early 2000s revealed that Emiratis filled less than 30% of the workforce during the initial two decades of the economic boom. 

Recognising the need to boost Emirati participation and reduce dependence on expatriate labour, the UAE government launched the first iteration of its Emiratisation programme in the early 2000s. This initial phase focused on raising awareness, developing basic skills for Emirati citizens, and offering incentives to companies that employed them.

Over the following two decades, the programme evolved to include industry-specific skillsets and education reforms. These efforts yielded positive results, significantly increasing Emirati participation in the public sector. However, progress in the private sector proved slower.

A pivotal moment for national workforce transformation 

To address this imbalance, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) took a decisive step in 2022, transforming the programme from a voluntary guideline into a compulsory mandate for private enterprises with 20 or more employees. This pivot established Emiratisation targets across diverse sectors, aiming to employ a minimum of 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector.

Since then, Emirati employment in the private sector has surged to over 152,000, employed across 29,000 companies as of June 2025. This progress reflects the programme’s effectiveness and the growing commitment of businesses to national workforce development.

Beyond compliance: Crafting the future 

As companies look to the future, it is clear that merely meeting Emiratisation targets will not suffice. To truly integrate Emirati talent into the workforce, organisations must adopt innovative and strategic measures that go beyond the basics.

While registering UAE nationals through work permits and employment contracts is the first step, it does not guarantee long-term retention or meaningful career development. Forward-thinking companies are recognising the need to create inclusive and supportive environments that foster purpose, growth, and belonging.

When Emirati employment numbers dip below targets, companies are required to restore these numbers within two months. While this rule keeps organisations accountable, it does not address the root causes of attrition. The real challenge lies in understanding why numbers fall—and proactively tackling those issues.

In the race to meet targets, some companies resort to temporary fixes. However, these measures often fail to address deeper issues of engagement and retention. The most successful organisations are those that view Emiratisation not as a burden, but as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Innovating for inclusion with tactics that work:

• Mentorship and training programmes

Ensure Emirati employees have necessary skills and support

• Cultural integration initiatives

Create collaborative environments where Emiratis feel valued and engaged

• Career path development

Growth opportunities retain Emirati talent and align their goals with organisational objectives

• Flexible work arrangements

Boost job satisfaction by accommodating diverse needs

• Performance incentives

Keep Emirati employees motivated and committed through incentives that recognise and reward contribution 

Sources: UAE Government, MoHRE announcement, Gulf News

Navigating success: Strategic and operational excellence 

As the UAE continues its ambitious drive towards Emiratisation, several companies are leading the charge with innovative and effective strategies. This journey is characterised by a commitment to integrating Emirati talent into the workforce sustainably, ensuring long-term economic and social benefits for the nation. 

Strategic initiatives:

• Workforce forecasting to anticipate future needs 
• Talent management programmes with clear career paths and development opportunities 
• Repatriation strategies for experienced Emiratis abroad 
• Talent incubation through internships and mentorship programmes 

Operational initiatives:

• Emiratisation-focused HR teams embedded within business units 
• KPIs for hiring and retention to ensure accountability 
• Cross-functional collaboration to integrate Emiratis into core operations.

Leading where others follow: Redefining Emiratisation success 

While many organisations have embraced Emiratisation, gaps remain in how the initiative is understood and implemented:

• Emiratisation is often treated as a compliance exercise, rather than a strategic opportunity to reshape organisational identity. 
• Sector-specific strategies are underdeveloped, despite the unique challenges faced by industries such as banking, healthcare, and education. 
• Few firms offer embedded delivery models, leaving clients with frameworks but no practical implementation support. 
• Cultural fluency and trust-building are often overlooked, despite being critical to long-term success. 

Grant Thornton UAE’s differentiators:

• Emiratisation as identity transformation

We help organisations embed national values into their culture and leadership.

• Embedded HR advisory

Our consultants work within client teams to co-create solutions that are practical and scalable. 

• Cultural fluency

We are proud to be the first professional services firm in the region to appoint an Emirati partner in our Advisory practice.

• Sector-specific playbooks

We tailor strategies to the realities of each industry, ensuring relevance and impact.

• Lifecycle integration

We support Emirati talent from internship to executive leadership, building sustainable career pathways. 

Leading with purpose, building with impact

Emiratisation is a transformative policy that requires organisations to adapt their human resource strategies. By embracing this initiative, companies can actively contribute to the UAE’s vision of a diversified economy and sustainable future. Successful implementation of Emiratisation not only meets regulatory requirements, but also enriches the workforce with local talent, fostering a deep sense of national pride and belonging among Emirati citizens.

At Grant Thornton UAE, we don’t just advise—we implement. We work alongside our clients to build future-ready organisations that are locally grounded and globally competitive.