The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that June 30, 2026, is the final deadline for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year.

Under current rules, companies must achieve a 1% increase in Emiratisation for skilled jobs by the end of June, with another 1% increase required in the second half of 2026.

Starting July 1, firms that fail to meet the required targets will face financial penalties.

The ministry urged companies not to wait until the last minute and encouraged employers to use the Nafis platform to connect with Emirati jobseekers across multiple sectors and specialisations.

Officials said more than 50 days remain before the deadline, giving companies time to speed up hiring plans and improve compliance.

Fake Emiratisation practices

The ministry also warned against fake Emiratisation practices, saying advanced monitoring systems powered by artificial intelligence are being used to detect violations and attempts to manipulate targets.

Companies found violating Emiratisation regulations could face penalties, downgrading of their classification status and legal action.

Compliant companies may benefit from incentives under the Nafis programme, including discounts on ministry service fees and priority within government procurement systems.

The UAE has launched Make it in the Emirates 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, improve supply chain resilience and expand the country’s advanced industrial sector.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the platform reflects the UAE’s vision for a “more resilient and sustainable national industrial model”, with continued investment in industry, artificial intelligence and technology.

In a message shared on X, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE will continue to build strategic partnerships and strengthen local capabilities to boost global competitiveness.

The initiative comes as the UAE pushes to reduce dependence on global supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Officials said more than 150 strategic commodities have already been studied, with alternative sourcing plans identified to maintain supply during global disruptions.

A key goal of Make it in the Emirates 2026 is to encourage more local production inside the UAE while attracting industrial investment and advanced manufacturing technologies.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also attended the event in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the growing role of UAE-made products and Emirati talent in shaping the country’s industrial future.

The event has brought together around 1,200 exhibitors across 12 key sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, mobility and sustainable materials.

Life in Dubai continues to rank highly among residents, with 95% saying the city is their preferred place to live, according to the latest survey by the Community Development Authority.

The findings from the 2024–2025 Social Survey paint a picture of a city where happiness, safety and social connection remain key strengths, with overall life satisfaction reaching 8.72 out of 10.

A city that people are proud to call home

The survey shows that 96.4% of residents feel proud to live in Dubai, while the overall happiness score stands at 8.6, reflecting strong confidence in the quality of life across the emirate.

For expats, who make up a large share of the population, these figures highlight Dubai’s continued appeal as a place to live, work and build a future.

Family and community at the core

Strong family ties remain a defining feature, with the Family Bond Index exceeding 95%, while 84% of residents say they have someone to rely on in times of need.

Community engagement is also growing, with volunteering rates rising to over 13%, signalling a shift towards a more connected and socially active population.

Inclusive and connected living

The survey points to broad inclusivity across society:

• Over 90% of People of Determination feel integrated
• Similar levels report access to education and essential services
• Nearly 99% of residents have internet access at home

Happiness among senior citizens also remains high, at nearly 87%, reflecting support across different age groups.

Shaping future policies

Officials say the results support the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 2033 and the UAE’s Year of the Family, with a focus on strengthening social cohesion and wellbeing.

According to Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, the survey serves as a key tool to guide policy, helping authorities respond to evolving community needs.

For those living in Dubai, the findings reinforce the emirate’s position as a city focused not just on growth, but on quality of life, stability and community wellbeing.