United Arab Emirates: Reminder of Deadline for Mainland Private Sector Employers to Increase Emiratization Rate

Update May 8, 2026:  Private sector mainland companies in the United Arab Emirates with 50 or more employees are reminded that they must increase their current Emiratization rate by an additional 1% by June 30, 2026 to reach an Emiratization percentage of at least 9%. Companies which have a higher Emiratization rate must still increase their percentage by 1% by June 30, 2026.  A fine of AED 10,000 per month will apply from July 1, 2026 for each position filled by a foreign national when it should be filled by an Emirati per the Emiratization rules. Businesses may also be blocked from using government portals, affecting the recruitment of employees.   

Update October 31, 2025: Private sector mainland companies in the United Arab Emirates with 50 or more employees are reminded that they must increase their current Emiratization rate by an additional 1% by December 31, 2025 to have an Emiratization percentage of at least 8%. Companies which have a higher Emiratization rate must still increase their percentage by 1% on December 31, 2025. 

May 21, 2025: Private sector mainland companies in the United Arab Emirates with 50 or more employees are reminded that they must increase their current Emiratization rate by an additional 1% by June 30, 2025. Under this policy, by June 30, 2025, all eligible companies must have an Emiratization percentage of at least 7%. Companies which have a higher Emiratization rate must still increase their percentage by 1% on June 30, 2025.

A fine of AED 9,000 per month will apply for each position filled by a foreign national when it should be filled by an Emirati per the Emiratization rules. In 2026, this fine will increase by AED 1,000. Businesses may also be blocked from using government portals, affecting the recruitment of employees.