12 July 2026 · How To
How to Meet Your Emiratisation Target
Start by measuring the gap between your current Emirati headcount and the target. Register on the Nafis platform to source UAE nationals and access salary and pension support, then onboard genuinely — real roles, on the payroll, paid through the Wage Protection System. Track the mid-year and year-end checkpoints so you never fall into the monthly fine.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
Measure and plan the hires
You cannot close a gap you have not measured.
- Count skilled roles and Emirati headcount.
- Work out the shortfall against 10%.
- Budget using Nafis support.
- Set a hiring timeline to the checkpoints.
Hire genuinely and record it
Real hires paid properly are the only safe route.
- Recruit through Nafis.
- Place UAE nationals in real skilled roles.
- Pay salaries via the Wage Protection System.
- Keep MOHRE records to prove compliance.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For getting to the target in practice.
Do I have to use Nafis?
Nafis is the main channel for sourcing UAE nationals and accessing subsidies, and is strongly recommended for compliant hiring.
Must Emirati salaries go through WPS?
Yes. Genuine employment on the payroll, paid through the Wage Protection System, is essential to prove the hire is real.
How do I avoid last-minute fines?
Hit the mid-year checkpoint, not just year-end, so shortfalls do not accrue a monthly fine.
Can Exiloz manage the process?
Yes. We coordinate the gap analysis, Nafis onboarding and payroll compliance end to end.
Hit your target on time
Exiloz runs your gap analysis, Nafis hiring and WPS payroll so the target is met cleanly.