 The 2026 targets and deadlines

The rules apply to private sector companies with 50 or more employees. These firms must grow the Emirati share of their skilled jobs by 1 percent in each half of the year, reaching a total of 2 percent by year-end. MoHRE reminded companies that June 30, 2026 was the deadline for the first-half target, with a two percent growth target by the end of the year. Companies are expected to reach a cumulative Emiratisation rate of 10 percent of skilled roles by the end of 2026.

Because we are now in October, the first-half deadline has passed. The focus has shifted to the second-half target, which companies must meet before the year closes. Employers that fell behind in June have limited time to catch up, and those that met their first-half numbers still need to keep hiring and retaining Emirati staff to stay compliant.