Emirati women are playing a major role in the UAE’s growing private sector, according to new data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). By January 2026, 176,125 Emiratis were employed in private companies under the Nafis programme, showing strong progress in Emiratisation. Women dominate key sectors: they make up 94.1% of Emiratis in private education roles and 91.2% in healthcare, strengthening two vital services. In leadership, women hold 54.9% of senior positions, including managers and executives, while 71.2% work in technical and specialised jobs. Most Emirati women in the private sector are young, with 71% aged 35 or below. New rules require mid-sized firms to hire Emiratis, with heavy fines for non-compliance, further boosting national employment and women’s participation.
