The concept of Emiratisation has been a central pillar of the UAE government’s strategy to enhance local employment and reduce reliance on foreign labor. Emiratisation focuses on increasing the representation of UAE nationals in the workforce, particularly in key sectors like government, finance, healthcare, and construction. The objective is to empower Emiratis to take on leadership roles and ensure their active participation in the country’s economic growth.

For businesses operating in the UAE, Emiratisation isn’t just a social responsibility; it’s also a legal requirement. In this blog, we’ll explore why Emiratisation matters, the challenges companies face in hiring Emiratis, and how Smart Manpower can help businesses navigate this crucial aspect of recruitment.

The UAE government has put in place a series of mandates aimed at increasing the number of Emiratis in the workforce. These policies are a direct response to the growing need for diversification in the country’s economy and to provide UAE nationals with the skills and opportunities to contribute to this growth.

The government has introduced several initiatives and incentives to encourage businesses to hire Emiratis. For example, businesses in specific sectors such as banking and telecom are required to meet certain Emiratisation quotas, which are set annually. In addition to quotas, there are also financial incentives for companies that meet or exceed their Emiratisation targets, including government subsidies and support.

While these policies are designed to increase the number of UAE nationals in the workforce, they can also present challenges for companies trying to meet the requirements. For businesses to succeed, they need access to skilled Emirati talent that aligns with their operational needs and company culture. This is where outsourcing recruitment to experts like Smart Manpower becomes invaluable.

Hiring Emiratis brings several benefits to companies operating in the UAE:

• Cultural Alignment:

  Emiratis bring a deep understanding of the local culture, values, and consumer behavior. This is especially valuable for businesses that aim to cater to the UAE market or engage in customer-facing roles, as local knowledge can drive better business relationships and customer experiences.

• Government Support and Incentives:

  As mentioned earlier, there are various government incentives for companies that hire Emiratis. These include financial rewards, subsidies, and preferential treatment in government contracts, making it financially advantageous to prioritize local talent.

• Long-term Employee Loyalty:

  Emiratis, especially those with the right qualifications and training, are often committed to building long-term careers in their home country. This loyalty can reduce employee turnover and provide companies with stable, experienced workers.

• Enhanced Corporate Reputation:

  Companies that actively participate in Emiratisation contribute to the nation’s economic diversification efforts and gain a positive reputation as responsible corporate citizens. This can help improve their public image and brand equity.

Incorporating Emiratis into your workforce not only ensures compliance with government regulations but also enhances business operations and community ties.

Despite the benefits of hiring Emiratis, companies face several challenges in attracting and retaining skilled UAE nationals:

• Skill Gaps:

  While Emiratis are highly educated, there may be gaps in specific industry skills, particularly in fields like technology and engineering. Companies may find it challenging to source Emiratis with the right technical expertise.

• Competition for Talent:

  With Emiratisation policies in place, the demand for skilled Emiratis has skyrocketed, making the talent pool highly competitive. This results in difficulties for companies trying to hire from a limited pool of qualified professionals.

• Perceived Lack of Experience:

  Some businesses perceive Emiratis as lacking the experience or industry knowledge compared to expatriate workers. This can make it harder for Emiratis to secure positions in specialized roles.

• Resistance to Change:

  In some industries, there is a historical reliance on expatriate workers, and shifting the mindset towards hiring Emiratis may face resistance, particularly in leadership or managerial roles.

Smart Manpower’s tailored recruitment solutions help mitigate these challenges by focusing on addressing skill gaps, providing training and development programs, and creating pathways for Emiratis to grow into specialized roles.

Smart Manpower plays a pivotal role in helping businesses overcome the challenges of Emiratisation recruitment. Here’s how we help bridge the gap:

• Targeted Talent Acquisition:

  We work closely with businesses to understand their requirements and identify Emirati talent with the specific skills needed. Our extensive network allows us to source candidates across industries like healthcare, construction, finance, IT, and more.

• Training and Development:

  In addition to recruitment, Smart Manpower supports Emiratis with training and upskilling programs to ensure they meet the qualifications and standards expected by businesses. We also offer soft skills training to help candidates integrate seamlessly into the corporate environment.

• Comprehensive Recruitment Process:

  We manage the entire recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to final placement. We ensure that all candidates meet your specific job criteria and align with your company culture. Our pre-screening process ensures that businesses get the most qualified and motivated Emiratis.

• Ongoing Support:

  Our relationship with both businesses and candidates doesn’t end at placement. We provide ongoing support to ensure that the transition is smooth, and we help businesses with retention strategies to ensure long-term success.

By collaborating with Smart Manpower, companies can ensure they are well-positioned to meet the demands of Emiratisation while hiring the best local talent available.

Emiratisation is a critical element in the UAE’s future workforce landscape. Hiring skilled Emiratis not only ensures compliance with government regulations but also brings numerous business advantages, from better cultural alignment to long-term employee loyalty.

However, hiring Emiratis can come with its own set of challenges. Smart Manpower’s comprehensive recruitment services ensure that businesses can navigate these challenges effectively. With our extensive network, targeted recruitment strategies, and training programs, we help companies build a workforce that not only meets Emiratisation quotas but also contributes meaningfully to the business’s success.

Ready to hire skilled Emirati talent for your business? Visit our website page to know more.