Latest news with #Emirati citizens

The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Emiratisation gathers pace with more than 150,000 UAE nationals working in private sector
The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has surpassed 152,000, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Monday. It marks an increase from 100,000 in May 2024, with UAE citizens now working across 29,000 companies in the Emirates. The figures are from June 30, the deadline set for achieving Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. Emirati citizens are currently employed across six main economic sectors, the ministry said. These are business services, financial intermediation, trade, repair services, construction and manufacturing. The UAE has embarked on a major push to encourage more domestic talent to join the private sector in recent years. The Nafis programme was introduced in September 2021 with a mission of ensuring 10 per cent of all jobs in the private sector are taken up by citizens by the end of 2026. Companies must increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months as part of the nationwide 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. Last month, private sector companies were urged to develop long-term strategies to attract and retain top domestic talent and guard against seeking to merely 'fulfil a quota' to hit strict Emiratisation targets.


Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Ruler approves allocation of 690 land plots for citizens in Khor Fakkan
Sharjah's Ruler on Monday approved the allocation of 690 land plots for Emirati citizens, furthering efforts to support local development and housing. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed the Department of Planning and Survey to allocate the plots of land to citizens living in Khor Fakkan. The new directive includes 180 residential plots, 450 industrial plots, and 60 commercial plots in the Al Harai area. Work is already underway to level the land, with plans to distribute the plots to eligible beneficiaries within two months. As part of the development, a public park will also be constructed in the area to enhance community facilities. This announcement follows a similar initiative from November last year, when the Sharjah Ruler approved 160 plots for Khor Fakkan residents — 80 commercial plots along Harai Road and 80 industrial plots. Priority was given to citizens holding commercial and industrial licenses. Housing initiatives The announcement also comes on the heels of a broader housing support programme recently approved by the Ruler of Sharjah, endorsing Dh335 million in funding to assist critical housing cases across the emirate. A total of 431 families will benefit from this phase of the housing programme, all of whom fall under urgent housing needs. Earlier this year, on June 9, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved Dh100 million in compensation for owners of old homes in Al Madam who had previously been allocated new residences. He had previously approved a sum of Dh250,000 for each of the 200 owners whose old homes were replaced. Similarly, on January 21, Sheikh Dr Sultan approved the disbursement of Dh15 million to resolve construction delays affecting 70 government homes for Emirati citizens, following a temporary suspension of the project.