Brief
UAE private firms exceed 10% Emiratisation target, Al‑Futtaim and ADIB lead
Al‑Futtaim says Emiratis make up 20% of its UAE workforce, while ADIB reports a 53% Emiratisation rate.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UAE private‑sector companies are reporting Emiratisation rates that surpass the government’s 10% benchmark for skilled roles, according to Khaleej Times.
For a firm with 500 skilled employees, the end‑2026 target translates to 50 Emiratis in skilled positions. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said 95% of covered businesses met their first‑half 2026 targets, with more than 190,000 Emiratis employed across nearly 32,000 private firms by July.
Al‑Futtaim disclosed that Emiratis constitute 20% of its UAE workforce, a figure that exceeds the benchmark though it may use a broader denominator. The group runs a SINYAR platform that annually involves about 300 Emiratis, 70% of whom are in the Explorer stage that introduces secondary‑school pupils to workplaces and future skills.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) announced an Emiratisation rate of 53.7%, its highest level in years, with women representing 78.3% of its Emirati staff. A bank representative told Khaleej Times that Emiratis are placed in critical functions rather than back‑office roles. A Dubai Media Office report rounded the figure to 53%.
Alshaya Group expects to meet its year‑end target during the Ru’ya exhibition week, reporting around 50 Emirati employees.
"Our role is not only to create jobs for Emiratis, but to create an environment where national talent can build meaningful, long‑term careers," Mira Al Futtaim said. "For us, Emiratisation is not a number only. It is part of our identity at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank," Bushra Al Shehhi added.
Key facts
- UAE private‑sector Emiratisation benchmark requires 10% of skilled roles to be filled by Emiratis by end‑2026. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Al‑Futtaim reports Emiratis make up 20% of its UAE workforce. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Emiratisation rate reached 53.7%, with women accounting for 78.3% of its Emirati staff. (khaleejtimes.com)
- MoHRE said 95% of covered private firms met first‑half 2026 Emiratisation targets. (khaleejtimes.com)
- More than 190,000 Emiratis work across nearly 32,000 private companies as of July 2026. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “10% Emiratisation target: UAE companies move beyond hiring targets to build careers”
