UAE Hits Highest-Ever Emiratisation Rate with 131,000 Citizens in Private Sector: Sheikh Mohammed

Chairing the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a historic achievement as the number of Emiratis employed in the private sector surged to 131,000 in 2024. This milestone reflects a remarkable 350% increase, marking a significant step in the country's Emiratisation efforts.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed shared a series of accomplishments that reflect the UAE's exceptional growth in 2024. He emphasized the success of the country's Emiratisation initiatives, which have seen positive results through strategic measures such as the Nafis programme. This program, coupled with enforcement efforts, has significantly contributed to this achievement.

Emiratisation is just one of the UAE’s many successes in 2024. The Vice-President outlined several other key milestones:

Economic Growth

• Foreign trade exceeded Dh2.8 trillion for the first time.
• Foreign direct investments are expected to reach Dh130 billion.
• Industrial exports reached Dh190 billion.
• The UAE saw the addition of 200,000 new companies, further strengthening its business environment.
• Emirati youth launched 25,000 small and medium-sized companies, contributing to the country's dynamic economy.

Legislative Reforms

• The UAE Government completed a major three-year project to update legislation issued since the country's founding.
• More than 2,500 government officials worked together to update 80% of the country’s economic, social, and regulatory policies, creating a better environment for growth.

Tourism

• The UAE welcomed more than 30 million tourists in 2024.
• The country’s airports handled a staggering 150 million passengers during the same period.

National Development

• The UAE government has rolled out over 750 national projects and initiatives to support development and attract top talent, investments, and competencies to the UAE.
• The Cabinet and Ministerial Development Council issued 1,300 decisions to create a regulatory environment that supports the country's rapid growth in the next two decades.

Sheikh Mohammed’s summary of the UAE’s 2024 achievements highlights the country's commitment to progress, innovation, and economic growth as it continues to position itself for long-term success.