Private sector companies in the UAE are increasingly outperforming nationalisation requirements, actively hiring Emirati talent well beyond government mandates. At the recent Industrialists Career Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, major employers highlighted a significant surge in demand for local expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Industry leaders, including those from energy giant SLB and construction firm CC7, noted that they are aggressively recruiting because they view a strong Emirati workforce as essential to long-term business resilience and innovation.

The shift is driven by a two-fold evolution: companies are prioritizing investment in local talent to fuel growth, while Emirati job seekers are increasingly gravitating toward the private sector for its dynamic learning environment. Professionals like Hamda Al Mahri, a technical sales engineer, are challenging traditional perceptions of industrial work, demonstrating that modern engineering offers international exposure and exposure to cutting-edge technology. As businesses prioritize AI literacy and adaptability, they are finding that Emiratis are not just meeting quota requirements but are becoming vital drivers of the nation’s rapidly expanding industrial and technological ambitions.