The number of Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme has now reached 154,000, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s ongoing Emiratisation efforts. This achievement highlights the success of the Nafis programme, which aims to increase national participation in private sector employment. Over the years, the programme has created new opportunities for Emiratis, offering financial support, training, and incentives for both employees and employers.
The increase in Emiratis employed in private sector roles demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness in encouraging nationals to explore career opportunities beyond the public sector. By bridging the gap between skills and market demand, the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme is helping the UAE build a more competitive, diversified, and sustainable workforce.
Understanding the Emiratis in Private Sector Nafis Scheme
What Is the Emiratis in Private Sector Nafis Scheme
The Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme is a government initiative designed to encourage nationals to take up roles in the private sector. It is a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, aiming to reduce dependency on public sector jobs while fostering a skilled workforce ready to contribute to private industry growth.
The scheme provides multiple benefits for Emiratis, including salary support, child allowances, pension contributions, and professional development programs. It also helps employers by providing financial incentives and guidance for hiring and retaining Emiratis.
Objectives of the Emiratis in Private Sector Nafis Scheme
The programme has clear objectives
Increase National Workforce Participation The scheme aims to ensure that a significant portion of private sector jobs are held by Emiratis with a target of 10 percent by 2026
Enhance Skills and Career Growth Through training, mentorship, and professional development, Emiratis can acquire the skills needed to excel in private sector roles
Support Employers The scheme provides financial and strategic support to companies hiring Emiratis encouraging wider adoption
Promote Economic Diversification By increasing national participation in private industries, the UAE moves towards a more balanced and resilient economy
Achievements of the Emiratis in Private Sector Nafis Scheme
Growth in Emirati Employment
Since its inception, the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme has achieved remarkable success. The number of Emiratis employed in private sector roles has risen to 154,000, reflecting steady growth and the programme’s impact in encouraging nationals to explore careers outside government employment.
This increase demonstrates that the incentives and support structures provided by the scheme effectively address challenges such as skill gaps and perceptions about private sector roles. Emiratis are now actively contributing to industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, technology, and manufacturing.
Expansion of Participating Companies
The number of private sector companies participating in the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme has grown significantly. Thousands of businesses across the UAE now employ Emiratis under the programme, benefiting from government-backed incentives and resources.
The expansion of participating companies reflects growing acceptance of Emirati talent across diverse sectors, from multinational corporations to small and medium sized enterprises. This ensures that nationals are gaining valuable work experience in a variety of fields.
Sectoral Representation
One key achievement of the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme is the broad sectoral representation of Emiratis
Finance and Banking Emiratis are taking on managerial, analytical, and financial roles in banks and financial institutions
Healthcare Nationals are working as doctors, nurses, administrators, and healthcare managers
Technology and IT Emiratis occupy roles in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and IT project management
Logistics and Transportation Emiratis contribute to operations, management, and supply chain roles
Manufacturing and Construction Nationals are filling technical, engineering, and supervisory positions
This wide sectoral representation ensures that Emiratis are not only entering the workforce but also building long-term careers in key industries
Benefits of the Emiratis in Private Sector Nafis Scheme
Benefits for Emirati Employees
The Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme offers several advantages for employees
Salary Support Emiratis receive monthly financial support ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000, bridging the salary gap between public and private sector jobs
Child Allowances The programme provides up to AED 3,200 per month for employees with children
Pension Contributions Government contributions to pension plans ensure long-term financial security for Emirati employees
Training and Development Structured programs help employees develop skills and advance their careers within the private sector
Benefits for Employers
Employers also gain from participating in the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme
Financial Incentives Companies receive monetary support for hiring and retaining Emirati talent
Assistance with Emiratisation Targets Employers get guidance to meet government mandated Emiratisation requirements
Access to Skilled Workforce Hiring through Nafis provides companies with capable, motivated employees ready to contribute to business success
Challenges and Solutions
While the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme has achieved much, some challenges remain
Skill Gaps
Although the scheme includes training programs, some Emiratis may still lack specific technical skills required for certain roles. The programme addresses this through mentorship, workshops, and internships, preparing them for a wide variety of private sector positions
Industry Resistance
Some companies were initially reluctant to hire Emiratis due to misconceptions about work culture or skill suitability. Nafis addresses this by offering incentives and awareness campaigns to encourage private sector engagement
Retention and Career Progression
Retention is as important as recruitment. The programme emphasizes career planning, promotion pathways, and development opportunities, ensuring that Emiratis can build long-term careers in private sector roles
Government Support and Strategic Role
The success of the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme is underpinned by strong government support. Policies, structured frameworks, and continuous monitoring ensure that the programme meets its goals. Government initiatives, including workshops, employer engagement campaigns, and recognition programs, create a supportive ecosystem for both employers and Emirati employees
Future Outlook for Emiratis in Private Sector
The future of the Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme looks promising. The current milestone of 154,000 employees is only the beginning. Continued investment in training, professional development, and employer incentives will likely lead to even higher Emirati participation across all private sector industries.
By 2026, the UAE aims for Emiratis to make up at least 10 percent of the private sector workforce. The Nafis programme will continue to play a vital role in achieving this target, ensuring nationals are not only employed but are thriving in their careers.
Conclusion
The Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme has successfully transformed the private workforce landscape in the UAE. With 154,000 Emiratis employed under the scheme, the programme has demonstrated its effectiveness in bridging employment gaps, enhancing skills, and supporting both employees and employers.
The scheme’s success provides a blueprint for workforce nationalisation, showing how targeted incentives, training, and government support can empower citizens and strengthen the economy. As the programme continues to grow, it will ensure that Emiratis are integral to the private sector, contributing to the UAE’s long-term economic growth, diversity, and competitiveness.
The journey of Emiratis in private sector Nafis scheme is ongoing, and its continued success is expected to create even more opportunities, encourage sustainable employment, and inspire future generations of Emiratis to participate in shaping the nation’s economic future.
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