Why 100% Emiratisation is Not Practical for UAE Federal Jobs
During a recent Federal National Council session, Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini revealed that the UAE federal government achieved a 65 per cent Emiratisation rate in 2025. Addressing inquiries regarding the remaining workforce, the minister clarified that achieving a 100 per cent Emirati staff is not feasible due to the country’s specific demographic makeup and the sheer scale of the labor market. He emphasized that the current balance is a practical reflection of real-world employment needs, noting that the government remains focused on sustainable career growth for its citizens through initiatives like the Nafis programme.
The government also highlighted impressive retention figures, with employee turnover remaining below 5 per cent across federal entities. Minister Al Hussaini pointed to this low turnover as evidence of an attractive and stable working environment, crediting strategic national policies for helping citizens build long-term, successful careers. While members of the FNC expressed interest in further increasing local participation, the session reaffirmed that the current strategy prioritizes a blend of high-quality national employment and the necessary support of non-Emirati expertise to keep federal services running effectively.