Emirati workforce participation grows since Nafis programme launch

The number of Emiratis in the UAE workforce rose by 404 per cent since the launch of the Nafis employment programme in 2021, according to Abdulrahman Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Al Awar reported these figures during a session on human capital at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The minister stated that women's participation in the labour market increased by about 109 per cent during the same period.

During this timeframe, the number of skilled workers grew by 50 per cent, while the total number of workers in the country rose by 104 per cent. The minister attributed this growth to government policies and cooperation with private businesses to create jobs and attract international talent. The UAE government also manages worker protections, including a Wage Protection System that transfers about Dh37 billion in salaries every month.

The ministry says that workers' protection insurance covers 99 per cent of private-sector employees, and unemployment insurance reaches 93 per cent of those same workers. Looking toward 2031, Al Awar presented a labour market simulation model that uses data and artificial intelligence to help authorities predict employment patterns. The government plans to focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace to create sustainable jobs.

The next phase of policy aims to increase Emirati participation in the private sector and improve workforce productivity.