Page 298 - RUYA CAREERS PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025 (English)

9/24/25, 11:39 AM Young Emiratis in high demand in private sector but government job security still a draw | The National

National vision
The government is stepping up the nationwide Nafis programme, introduced in 2021, to ensure Emiratis
make up 10 per cent of the private sector workforce by the end of 2026.

Companies must increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months as part of the scheme.

Employers in the UAE with at least 50 members of staff were required to meet a 4 per cent target by the
end of 2023. As a result, the Emirati employment rate will increase to 8 per cent by the end of 2025, and
10 per cent in 2026.

Manal Matar, head of employee experience and HR digitalisation at du, told The National that young
Emiratis are looking for roles offering training and flexibility.

“They are looking for jobs in a secure and comfortable work environment. They also want training and
experience,” Ms Matar said.

“We want to attract graduates and Emiratis with experience. We have three programmes focusing on
young students in high schools to build their mentality about the workplace and career development.”

Hussain Sajwani, from Sharjah, graduated in IT this year. “Our generation is very passionate [about]

working in any sector, it doesn't matter if it is private or public,” he said.

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