UAE Emirati workforce up 404% since Nafis, minister says
The UAE says Emirati employment has jumped 404% since Nafis began in 2021, while women's participation rose 109% and worker protections widened.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
The UAE says UAE Emirati workforce growth since the Nafis programme began in 2021 has reached 404%, while women's participation in the labour market is up about 109%. For employees and job seekers, this latest update points to continued private-sector hiring, stronger focus on skills, and wider attention on pay and insurance protections.
Speaking on Tuesday at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, shared the figures, according to Gulf News.
UAE Emirati workforce growth: the main numbers
Dr Al Awar said the labour market has expanded sharply since 2021. The figures he shared were:
- Emiratis in the workforce, up 404%
- Women's participation in the labour market, up about 109%
- Skilled workers, up 50%
- Total workers in the country, up 104%
- Number of companies, up 46%
He credited government policy and cooperation with private businesses for helping create jobs, attract international talent and support economic growth.
What the UAE Emirati workforce growth means for jobs
For Emirati job seekers, the message is clear: the government wants a bigger private-sector workforce and plans to keep pushing in that direction. That matters for firms hiring now, especially those already managing Emiratisation obligations and compliance risks, which JobXDubai covered in UAE Business Centres: New Rules & Fake Emiratisation Penalties.
For expats, the update also matters. The minister said future priorities include retaining international talent and attracting highly skilled professionals, with the next phase focused on sectors that can create sustainable jobs.
Those sectors are:
- advanced manufacturing
- artificial intelligence
- technology
- data
- healthcare
- life sciences
- aviation
- aerospace
- advanced energy
- sustainability
That gives workers a useful signal on where demand may build next. The minister also said authorities are working on a labour market simulation model through 2031, using data and artificial intelligence to anticipate employment changes and shape policy. That fits the wider use of workforce data tools seen in GDRFA Dubai wins gold for HR data analytics workforce system.
Worker protections in the UAE labour market update
The minister said the government has introduced measures to protect workers' rights, including wage protection, health insurance and unemployment insurance.
The figures he gave were:
- AED 37 billion in salaries transferred each month through the Wage Protection System
- workers' protection insurance covering 99% of private-sector employees
- unemployment insurance covering 93% of private-sector workers
- health insurance extending to private-sector employees and domestic workers
For workers, that means the policy focus is still tied closely to salary payment, insurance cover and job security. If you are changing jobs or reviewing your contract, it is worth brushing up on the basics in UAE job exits: notice, gratuity and salary mistakes to avoid.
Practical steps after the UAE Emirati workforce growth update
If you are planning your next move, this announcement gives a few clear signals:
- Watch hiring in the sectors named by the minister, especially AI, data, healthcare and aviation.
- Keep your CV and skills current if you want roles in higher-value or more specialised work.
- Check the pay and insurance details in your job records, especially if you work in the private sector.
- Follow private-sector hiring trends and current openings on JobXDubai jobs.
For employers, the minister's comments also point to continued pressure to build skills, improve productivity and work more closely with government on labour market goals.
Key takeaway
The UAE's latest labour market update shows strong growth in Emirati employment since Nafis started in 2021, alongside rising female participation and a bigger overall workforce. For residents, the practical message is simple: private-sector hiring, skills growth and worker protections remain at the centre of policy.
FAQ
How much has the Emirati workforce grown since Nafis started?
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar said the number of Emiratis in the UAE workforce has risen by 404% since the Nafis employment programme launched in 2021. He shared the figure during a session at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026, according to Gulf News.
Has women's participation in the UAE labour market increased?
Yes. The minister said women's participation in the labour market has increased by about 109% over the same period. He also said the number of skilled workers grew by 50%.
Which sectors will the UAE focus on for future jobs?
According to the minister, the next phase of employment and skills policies will focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, technology, data, healthcare, life sciences, aviation, aerospace, advanced energy and sustainability. He said these are sectors that can create sustainable jobs.
What worker protections were highlighted in the update?
The minister pointed to wage protection, health insurance and unemployment insurance. He said AED 37 billion in salaries is transferred each month through the Wage Protection System, while workers' protection insurance covers 99% of private-sector employees and unemployment insurance covers 93%.
What is the 2031 labour market model?
The minister said authorities are using a labour market simulation model extending to 2031. Its purpose is to help predict changes in employment patterns and support policy using data and artificial intelligence.
Further reading
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