Nafis Award 2025–2026: UAE Shifts Emiratisation Focus From Numbers to Quality Employment

The UAE has taken a big step forward in strengthening Emiratisation across the private sector. This is because officials announced the fourth cycle of the Nafis Award 2025-2026 at a press conference today. Moreover, it revealed strategic enhancements created to deepen long-term opportunities for the UAE nationals. 

This move shows the commitment of the leadership to creating a sustainable and skilled Emirati workforce that grows through meaningful, high-quality roles rather than numerical targets.

Leadership-Driven Progress and Rapid Growth

The Nafis Award is a key pillar of the Dh14 billion Nafis programme, which operates under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the leadership of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

The country has seen a remarkable transformation since the launch of the program in September 2021. Moreover, the number of Emiratis employed in the private sector surged by a massive 437 per cent, rising from 29.000 to more than 157,000 in just 4 years. In addition, more than 30,000 private companies now hire UAE nationals, which is an unprecedented achievement in the labour landscape of the country.

Shift Toward Quality and Sustainable Emiratisation

The award has refined the evaluation criteria for the Establishment criteria for its 2025-2026 cycle. Hence, the change focuses on qualitative Emiratisation and rewarding companies that foster long-term career growth.

According to Nasreen Al Janahi, Director of the Excellence Department at the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, “The evolution will focus on establishments that have genuinely contributed to qualitative, not only quantitative emiratisation”. Hence, companies will now be assessed by the following factors:

• Retention of Emirati talent
• Investment in employee training and professional development
• Effective utilisation of the Nafis platform for recruitment
• Contribution to sustainable and impactful Emiratisation goals

This change ensures companies are recognised for creating strong and meaningful employment, not temporary or number-driven hiring. 

New Category for Education Sector Professionals At Nafis Award

A major new update has been introduced in the individual category. Moreover, the award will now include a dedicated subcategory for the educational professional category to recognise the growing influence of the UAE nationals in private education. Below is the list of those categories:

• Teachers
• Assistant teachers
• Educational supervisors

Al Janahi highlighted the reasoning behind this decision: “We found significant demand for these roles, and they did not have a dedicated category. A dedicated category for educational jobs has now been allocated”. 

This move aligns with the ongoing mission of the UAE to strengthen national participation in key sectors to shape the future of the country. 

Transparent Governance and Evaluation Process

The award continues to operate under a transparent governance structure led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Moreover, strategic decisions are guided by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. However, the overall organisation falls under the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, headed by Secretary-General Ghannam Al Mazrouei.

The following are the two main tracks of the award:

1. Establishments Category

It targets all private companies registered with MoHRE and the UAE Central Bank. In addition, the evaluation of this category will be based on the official data—no application needed. Plus, it focuses on talent retention, development, and qualitative Emiratisation

2. Individuals Category

It is open to Emirati professionals in the private sector. Plus, it includes 11 sub-categories, now featuring the new education track. However, this category needs self-nomination through the official platform. 

 Timeline and Social Impact

The awareness workshop is going to continue until the end of January, followed by the evaluation phase in February 2026. However, the results will be reviewed by an arbitration committee before final approval.

The Nafis programme is a part of the projects of the UAE of the 50. In addition, it has already benefitted more than  132,000 citizens and provided child allowances for 24,000 children.. In addition, it has shifted career preferences, as 6 out of 10 Emirati graduates now start their career in the private sector, compared to just 15% previously.

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