Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, chaired a detailed briefing on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s ongoing work. The session covered advancements in labour market regulation, efforts to expand Emirati employment in the private sector and the integration of new technologies to improve service efficiency. Ministry officials outlined how current programmes align with national priorities for sustainable economic growth and human capital development. The review highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across government entities to meet evolving workforce demands.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reported that more than 190,000 Emiratis are employed in the private sector at nearly 32,000 companies. Ministry figures show that 95 per cent of establishments subject to Emiratisation policy met their targets in the first half of 2026. These outcomes stem from targeted initiatives that facilitate matching between national talent and available roles while supporting business compliance. The data underscores steady progress in broadening participation of UAE nationals across multiple industries.
Approximately 16 million digital transactions were completed by the ministry in the first half of 2026 through an intelligent system supported by artificial intelligence. A ministry assessment found that artificial intelligence deployment under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme achieved up to 100 per cent reduction in certain procedures and requirements. This includes the Emirati Work Bundle which integrated services from registration on the Nafis platform through to employment and insurance enrolment. The improvements have shortened processing times and minimised required documentation for both employers and job seekers.
The ministry carried out inspections in cooperation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority that resulted in the closure of around 200 social media accounts promoting unlicensed domestic worker services during the first half of 2026. Officials stated that the campaign utilised field teams, electronic monitoring and artificial intelligence tools to detect violations and protect users from unreliable providers. The ministry urged residents to engage only with licensed recruitment offices to ensure safe and regulated transactions. Such enforcement actions form part of a broader oversight framework designed to maintain standards across the labour market.
Preparations for the Ru’ya 2026 career and empowerment platform were also addressed during the review with the event set to take place from 28 to 30 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers anticipate participation by more than 150 companies offering over 5,000 job opportunities across 23 industries and reaching more than 18,000 Emirati nationals. The ministry has positioned the gathering as a key opportunity to connect talent with employers while promoting long-term career development pathways. Additional student competitions in innovation and entrepreneurship will run alongside the main programme.
The briefing further examined enhancements to talent identification and development platforms that leverage artificial intelligence to prepare national cadres for future leadership roles. Ministry data places these efforts within wider federal strategies that have reduced bureaucratic hurdles and accelerated digital transformation across public services. Sheikh Hamdan directed continued focus on aligning all initiatives with Dubai’s economic vision and the UAE’s broader development objectives. Progress on these fronts will be tracked through regular updates to the Executive Council.
