Issam Al Ali, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council “Nafis,” affirmed that the movement of Emiratis working in the private sector from one company to another does not represent a problem. Rather, it is a healthy indicator of a labor market characterized by diversity, openness and a wide range of opportunities.
Al Ali added that Emiratis moving from one company to another is a positive and healthy practice. He noted that companies’ efforts to attract trained Emirati talent contribute to enhancing market competitiveness. He also pointed out that companies facing this type of challenge should take into account the changing needs and requirements of the market, as well as the suitability of the salaries and incentives they offer to Emiratis in order to encourage them to remain in their jobs.
He explained that when the “Nafis” program was first launched, there was no law requiring companies to provide a minimum wage. Later, in 2024, a ministerial decision was issued setting the minimum wage for Emiratis working in the private sector at AED 4,000. This was then raised last year to AED 5,000, regardless of the citizen’s academic qualification, and at the beginning of this year the minimum wage reached AED 6,000. This comes as it was announced that “Nafis” will continue until 2040.
Al Ali highlighted that the private sector is competitive and has an important role to play in attracting Emirati talent and job seekers. He said: “Today, we have major success stories among Emiratis who have been promoted to senior management positions in the private sector thanks to their education and training.”
He added that the Emiratisation file has been highly successful, noting that it started with around 29,000 Emiratis working in the private sector, while the number has now reached 177,000. He also pointed out that at the start of the program, the percentage of Emiratis attracted to work in the private sector stood at 15%, rising to 60% by the end of 2025.
Al Ali’s remarks were made on the sidelines of the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” Careers Fair for industry and advanced technology, which opened in Abu Dhabi. His comments came in response to observations from some employers regarding Emiratis moving to other companies after receiving training, qualification and practical skills.
The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” Careers Fair, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center on June 8 and 9, aims to connect Emirati talent with job and training opportunities in the fast-growing industrial and advanced technology sectors, which offer promising career prospects for citizens.
