Over 53% of Emirati Jobseekers Still Work Onsite, Emphasizing Urgent Need for Flexibility in 2025

Government

Over 53% of Emirati Jobseekers Still Work Onsite, Emphasizing Urgent Need for Flexibility in 2025

Despite global shifts toward flexible work models, over 53% of Emirati job seekers remain in fully onsite roles, revealing a persistent need for greater workplace flexibility, especially to retain diverse talent segments such as women and young parents. These findings were unveiled in the 3rd edition of the Emiratisation Guidebook – 2025, jointly released by TASC Outsourcing and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

The guidebook, a data-driven blueprint for enhancing Emiratisation, draws on insights from over 2,000 Emirati job seekers and employees and 450 private-sector employers. It highlights both the progress and challenges in integrating Emiratis into the private workforce.

Emiratisation Momentum: Record Growth and Readiness

The UAE witnessed a record 131,883 Emiratis employed in the private sector by the end of 2024—an outcome of robust public-private partnerships and targeted Emiratisation strategies. Nearly 49.13% of Emiratis are ready to begin work within 30 days, while 82.97% express confidence in their private sector readiness—underscoring a confident and capable talent pool.

Employers have also shown long-term commitment to Emiratisation, with 63.40% offering permanent contracts. However, while job satisfaction stands at 57%, 74% of Emirati respondents report dissatisfaction with compensation, revealing a key area for improvement.

Key Challenges: Retention, Flexibility, and Upskilling

The study points to significant talent retention issues, with 52.39% of employers facing challenges and 25.60% identifying these issues as highly critical. Factors like compensation misalignment, lack of hybrid options, and competition from the public sector are driving high attrition.

The skills landscape is also evolving, with over 52% of Emiratis demonstrating basic knowledge of artificial intelligence. However, there are notable gaps in advanced AI domains, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics—highlighting an urgent need for tailored upskilling programs.

Shifting Employment Preferences

Emirati jobseekers are increasingly drawn to technology-driven roles, with interest in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector surging from 4.12% in 2024 to 15.84% in 2025. The public and social sectors continue to attract a large share (33.95%), while private-sector hiring remains concentrated in Operations (46.17%), HR & Admin (45.69%), and Sales & Marketing (44.06%).

Strategic Recommendations

Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Founder and CEO of TASC Outsourcing, emphasized:

"Effective Emiratisation requires precise alignment between employer offerings and Emirati talent expectations. Increased flexibility, customized compensation, and strategic AI-focused upskilling are key to ensuring sustainable outcomes."

HE Farida Abdulla Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents, MoHRE, reaffirmed the government's commitment:

“With initiatives like Nafis, rigorous sector-specific targets, and enhanced compliance frameworks, we are accelerating Emiratisation sustainably. Our partnership with TASC strengthens this mission, helping employers play an active role.”

The Emiratisation Guidebook 2025 also recommends wider adoption of AI training programs, the Falak Tayyeb app for job matching, and continued evaluation of incentive schemes such as wage support for fresh graduates.