How to Build a Sustainable Emirati Workforce via Nafis Program

Hiring in the UAE is evolving fast, and the pressure to meet Emiratisation targets is growing. Yet many private-sector companies still struggle to attract, retain, and develop Emiratis in UAE roles long-term. High turnover, skills mismatch, and uncertainty about incentives make the road to compliance feel uncertain. And with growing scrutiny from regulators, doing the bare minimum is no longer enough.

That’s where the Nafis Program comes in. Designed to transform UAE workforce development, Nafis (also known as نافس, nafiz, or nafia) helps companies go beyond quotas by building real pathways for Emirati jobs.

What Is the Nafis Program?

The Nafis Program UAE is a major move under UAE Vision 2031. It’s designed to boost the competitiveness of Emiratis in UAE by helping them build strong careers in the private sector.

Backed by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, Nafis offers benefits for both employers and citizens, including salary top-ups of up to AED 7,000 per month for select roles, government-supported pension contributions and subsidies, on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, child allowance benefits, as well as unemployment insurance and job-matching services.

As part of the UAE’s 2031 vision, the government has committed AED 24 billion to facilitate the employment of 75,000 Emiratis in private businesses by 2026. So far, more than 114,000 citizens have joined private companies, with over 81,000 placements made through Nafis. That’s a significant year-on-year growth of 36% in 2023.

Why Build a Sustainable Emirati Workforce?

Sustainable workforce planning isn’t just a buzzword. For UAE companies, hiring and developing Emiratis is more than meeting requirements. It’s about building a strong, future-ready team that drives innovation and supports national goals.

• Emirati representation is now legally required for companies with 20+ employees, under the 2% annual growth mandate.
• Firms that fail to meet targets face fines starting at AED 96,000 per role shortfall (increasing yearly).
• The UAE government is tying economic incentives and preferred vendor status to Emiratisation performance.
• Hiring locals fosters stronger ties to national customers and regulators, and aligns with UAE economic growth goals.

Challenges to Emiratisation

Despite strong government support, many employers face challenges in hiring and retaining Emiratis in UAE roles.

Talent Mismatch

Fresh Emirati grads bring energy, but many roles in tech, logistics, or niche services need hands-on experience they haven’t picked up just yet.

Cultural Perceptions

Some private firms still believe Emiratis prefer government jobs or higher salaries, creating hesitation even before interviews begin.

Retention & Engagement

Without career pathways, training, or mentorship, new hires often exit within the first 12 months.

Compliance Complexity

Some companies are unclear on how to hire Emiratis via Nafis, what paperwork is needed, or how salary support works.

Awareness Gaps

Plenty of SMEs haven’t heard of nafia or nafiz yet and they’re missing out. These programs offer real perks that can make hiring Emiratis easier and more rewarding.

How the Nafis Program Supports Employers

For UAE businesses, the Nafis Program is more than a compliance step. It’s a smart way to grow. It helps you hire Emiratis in UAE roles with less cost, less risk, and more support to build strong local talent.

• Salary Support: Hiring Emiratis just got a whole lot sweeter. With the Nafis Program, you can get up to AED 7,000 a month in salary top-ups for each hire, depending on their role and qualifications.
• Recruitment Assistance: Access the Nafis Talent Portal to post vacancies and match with qualified Emirati job seekers.
• Onboarding Incentives: Subsidies for training programs and apprenticeships, reducing early-stage costs.
• Pension Contributions: For small businesses, the program covers up to 100% of pension fund contributions for 5 years.
• Child Support: Companies can benefit from happier, more financially stable hires with child allowance payments of up to AED 800/month per child.
• Unemployment Support: Nafis also provides safety nets for employees, building trust and security.

These incentives tie into UAE Vision 2031 and the country’s big push for economic growth, all focused on creating long-term private sector opportunities for Emirati talent.

Strategies to Build a Sustainable Emirati Workforce with Nafis

Attracting and keeping top Emirati talent takes more than ticking boxes. It’s about building a workplace where nationals can grow, thrive, and contribute long-term. Here’s how to make the most of the Nafis Program UAE support:

1. Align Roles with Local Talent

Use Nafis’ job-matching tools to align openings with available Emirati job seekers. Consider redesigning job descriptions to include training time or mentorship.

2. Offer Career Progression Plans

Set clear growth paths from day one. Emiratis value purpose, recognition, and development, not just salary. Leverage Nafis’ training and upskilling subsidies to support this.

3. Foster a Culturally Inclusive Workplace

Encourage knowledge sharing between expatriate and Emirati staff. Assign mentors, create onboarding checklists, and host cross-cultural workshops.

4. Measure & Track Engagement

Use internal surveys to understand what motivates your UAE workforce. Retention starts with listening. Ask: Why are they staying? Why do they leave?

5. Reward Managers Who Prioritize Retention

Tie KPIs to sustainable hiring, not just headcount. When leadership is aligned with Emiratisation goals, results follow.

With these strategies, Nafis becomes more than a program. It becomes part of your culture.

How to Get Started with Nafis Program UAE

Not sure where to begin? Here’s a step-by-step to hiring Emiratis via Nafis, even if you’re a small or mid-size business.

Step 1: Register on the Nafis Portal

Create a company account and verify your license from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Step 2: Post Your Job Openings

Use the talent portal to list your roles and find Emirati job seekers that match.

Step 3: Apply for Support

Once you hire an eligible Emirati candidate, apply for salary support, pension subsidies, and other incentives directly from your dashboard.

Step 4: Track Your Compliance

Your progress toward Emiratisation targets is monitored and visible via your company dashboard. You’ll also receive alerts for upcoming deadlines and subsidy windows.

Companies that fail to register or meet hiring targets face fines starting at AED 96,000 per vacancy (increasing annually). Being proactive helps avoid penalties and opens doors to government partnerships and preferential treatment.

Conclusion

Building a sustainable Emirati workforce isn’t just about playing by the rules. It’s about building a stronger, more future-ready business that supports UAE economic growth. The Nafis Program gives you the tools, funding, and support to do just that whether you’re new to hiring or fine-tuning your strategy. With Nafis, you can hire, train, and keep top Emiratis in UAE roles that help your business grow and stay aligned with national goals.