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Nafis Programme 2025: Complete Guide for Employers & Emirati Talent
Your Strategic Guide to the UAE's Emirati Talent Competitiveness Programme
The Nafis (Emirati Talent Competitiveness) Programme continues to be the cornerstone of the UAE's efforts to empower national talent in the private sector. As we progress through 2025, significant developments—including new training platforms, enhanced compliance measures, updated award categories, and mandatory ICV registration requirements—are reshaping the Emiratisation landscape for both employers and Emirati jobseekers.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Nafis in 2025, from updated quotas and penalties to the latest initiatives supporting national talent development .
Overview: What is the Nafis Programme?
Launched in September 2021 as part of the UAE's 'Projects of the 50', Nafis is a federal programme aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Emirati talent and facilitating their employment in the private sector. The government allocated AED 24 billion to the programme with an initial target of employing at least 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector by 2025 .
Key 2025 Achievements to Date:
Over 157,000 Emiratis are now employed in the private sector—a staggering 437% increase from just 29,000 at launch
Nearly six out of ten Emirati graduates now start their careers in the private sector, up from just 15% previously
The programme has benefited over 132,000 citizens with child allowance benefits for 24,000 children of beneficiaries
2025 Emiratisation Targets for Private Sector Companies
For Companies with 50+ Employees
Private-sector companies with 50 or more employees are required to achieve a 2% annual growth in the number of Emiratis in skilled positions. The deadline for meeting 2025 targets is 31 December 2025 .
For Companies with 20-49 Employees
A selected group of establishments operating in high-growth, targeted economic sectors with 20 to 49 workers must hire at least one Emirati employee while retaining any Emiratis employed prior to 1 January 2025 .
Industry Quota Benchmarks
As of mid-2025, specific quotas apply across key sectors:
Industries seeing the most Emirati hires include finance and banking, insurance, healthcare, technology and telecom, and retail/customer service .
Penalties for Non-Compliance (2025 Updates)
The UAE has introduced stricter enforcement measures under Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025, which repeals and replaces the previous Cabinet Decision No. 95/2022 concerning violations related to Nafis programmes .
Financial Penalties
Non-compliant companies face fines reaching AED 96,000 per unfulfilled role (calculated as AED 8,000 monthly fines per vacant Emirati position, increasing annually)
Financial contributions will be applied starting 1 January 2026 to companies that fail to achieve required rates
Enhanced Monitoring & Anti-Fraud Measures
MoHRE has enhanced its monitoring tools with artificial intelligence to detect negative practices such as:
Fake Emiratisation (fictitious hiring)
Attempts to circumvent targets
Misuse of Nafis incentives and subsidies
Recent enforcement actions include:
Between mid-2022 and September 2024, 1,818 private establishments were found to have faked their Emiratisation levels
One company that had deducted Nafis trainee subsidies was referred to the Public Prosecution
Consequences for Violating Companies
Companies found in violation face:
Downgrade of their classification under MoHRE's establishment rating system
Mandatory rectification of their status
New for 2025: Key Initiatives & Platforms
1. National Practical Training Platform
Launched in December 2025, the National Practical Training Platform represents the first national system designed to reshape practical training pathways for higher education students. The platform is integrated directly into the Nafis portal and serves as a unified digital environment connecting university students with training opportunities in both government and private-sector institutions .
Key Features:
Students can register for high-quality practical training opportunities aligned with their specializations
Companies can post available training positions
Digital compliance mechanisms ensure training quality and effectiveness
Creates a unified national database linking students with employers
Strategic Importance: According to His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the platform "marks a significant leap forward for the student training ecosystem across higher education institutions" and supports Emiratisation efforts by preparing students for direct entry into the labour market .
2. Sector-Specific Training Programmes
Pharmaceutical Sector: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) signed an MoU with Novartis in December 2025 to develop a 12-month extensive training programme for Emirati pharmacy graduates. Trainees receive a monthly stipend and may apply for full-time positions upon completion .
Creative & Cultural Industries: The Creative Path Program, launched by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Nafis, supports talented Emirati job seekers in cultural and creative fields by offering access to employment and training opportunities in the private sector. Training periods extend up to 12 months across six domains: cultural heritage, performing arts, visual arts, books and publishing, audiovisual media, and design services .
3. Nafis Award 2025-2026: Shift to Quality Focus
The fourth cycle of the Nafis Award, announced in November 2025, introduces significant enhancements that shift focus from quantitative to qualitative Emiratisation .
New Evaluation Criteria for Establishments:
Success in retaining Emirati talent
Commitment to professional development and training
Active use of the Nafis platform for recruitment
New Individuals Category: A dedicated sub-category for professionals in the education sector has been created, including teachers, assistant teachers, and educational supervisors working in private institutions .
4. Mandatory Nafis Registration for ICV Certification
A critical 2025 update: Registration on the Nafis platform as a 'Partner' is now mandatory for all private companies prior to obtaining an ICV (In-Country Value) Certificate. This applies regardless of whether the company currently employs any Emiratis .
Why This Matters:
Companies cannot begin the ICV certification process without Nafis registration
Participation in Nafis programmes can positively impact ICV scores
Higher ICV ratings provide preference in government bids and tenders
Incentives & Benefits for Compliant Companies
The UAE government continues to reward companies that actively support Emiratisation goals:
Financial & Operational Benefits
Up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees for companies achieving exceptional Emiratisation results
Priority in the government procurement system through membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club
Salary support for Emirati hires through Nafis
ICV Advantages
Higher ICV scores through participation in national occupational standards and competency development programmes
Enhanced competitiveness for government contracts where greater weightage is given to higher ICV-rated suppliers
How Employers Can Leverage Nafis in 2025
Immediate Action Steps
1. Register on the Nafis Platform
Visit nafis.gov.ae
Register as a 'Partner' using UAE Pass
2. Access the Talent Pool
Use the Nafis career portal to connect with Emirati jobseekers across various specializations
Post available positions for immediate recruitment needs
3. Utilize Training Programmes
Register for the National Practical Training Platform to host student trainees
Explore sector-specific training initiatives in healthcare, creative industries, and other sectors
4. Prepare for Compliance Deadlines
Ensure your 2% annual growth target is met by 31 December 2025
Document all Emirati hiring and retention efforts
Be prepared for AI-enhanced monitoring and audits
5. Apply for the Nafis Award
Self-nomination for the Individuals category is open for Emirati professionals
Establishments are automatically evaluated based on official data
The new education sector category recognizes teachers and educational supervisors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration on Nafis mandatory for ICV certification?
Yes. As per recent ICV Supplier Certification Guidelines issued by MOIAT, registration on the Nafis platform as a 'Partner' is mandatory for all private companies prior to obtaining the ICV Certificate, regardless of current Emirati employment status .
What are the 2025 deadlines for Emiratisation targets?
Companies must achieve their required Emiratisation rates by 31 December 2025. Financial penalties for non-compliance will be applied starting 1 January 2026 .
What constitutes fake Emiratisation?
Fake Emiratisation includes fictitious hiring of Emiratis, deducting Nafis trainee subsidies, providing false information to comply with Emiratisation rules, or falsely claiming Nafis incentives. These practices are now monitored using AI-powered tools and carry severe penalties including fines, classification downgrades, and potential criminal prosecution .
How does the new National Practical Training Platform work?
The platform connects university students with practical training opportunities in government and private-sector institutions. Companies can post available training positions, and students can register for programmes aligned with their specializations. The platform is accessible through the Nafis website at nafis.gov.ae .
Strategic Outlook: What's Next for Nafis?
The Nafis programme is evolving beyond simply meeting numerical quotas. The 2025 updates signal a clear strategic shift toward:
Quality over quantity – The new Nafis Award criteria emphasize retention, professional development, and sustainable employment rather than just hiring numbers
Skills development integration – The National Practical Training Platform bridges the gap between academic education and labour market requirements
Sector-specific targeting – Initiatives in pharmaceuticals, creative industries, and education demonstrate a tailored approach to different sectors
Enhanced compliance – AI-powered monitoring and stricter penalties under Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025 show commitment to programme integrity
ICV integration – Linking Nafis registration to ICV certification creates a powerful incentive for private sector participation
For HR professionals and business leaders, staying ahead of these developments is not just about compliance—it's about leveraging the programme's resources to build a competitive, sustainable workforce aligned with the UAE's long-term economic vision.
For personalized guidance on Emiratisation compliance and HR strategy, contact EvolvedHR for expert consultancy services.
Last Updated: April 2026
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