
Emiratis in Private Sector Hit 190,000
The number of Emiratis working in the private sector in the United Arab Emirates has exceeded 190,000 across nearly 32,000 establishments in the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Local Emirati workers are increasingly being employed in the private sector, with this milestone highlighting the sector’s growing commitment to national talent and the effectiveness of Emiratisation policies.
Emiratisation efforts have led to a significant increase in the number of Emiratis in the private sector, with nearly 32,000 establishments now employing over 190,000 Emirati workers. This development highlights the private sector’s role in supporting the UAE‘s economic diversification and promoting Emirati participation in the workforce.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s report for the first half of 2026 confirms the progress made in Emiratisation, with the private sector demonstrating its capacity to absorb and retain national talent. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the UAE’s strategic initiatives to enhance Emirati employment opportunities and develop a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
In the context of the UAE’s broader economic strategy, this milestone reflects the country’s efforts to promote economic growth, diversification, and sustainable development, as seen in previous initiatives such as the UAE’s Vision 2021, which aimed to increase the number of Emiratis in the private sector.



