Understanding Nationalisation in the GCC: The Case of the UAE

The UAE has continued to develop its policies regarding the promotion of employment opportunities for UAE nationals and employers in the private sector are now working within a developing compliance landscape and need to consider their recruitment policies and company rules. In this video, Sara Khoja and Ruth Edwards examine the current issues faced by employers and what they can do to respond to the challenge.

Over the past two years, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MHRE) has significantly developed its policies regarding the promotion of employment opportunities for UAE nationals. As it works with other government arms to develop a knowledge economy, the MHRE's policies have included adding to the reserved roles for UAE nationals (now including the role of health and safety officer and data entry clerks), launching the Tawteen Gate and promoting opportunities for people with determination, as well as teleworking for all.

Against this backdrop, employers in the private sector are working within a developing compliance landscape and need to consider their recruitment policies, company policies and employee relations framework. The challenge to attract, retain and develop needs to take into account the needs of the business and its managers. Stakeholder buy-in is crucial to the success of any Emiratisation program.

In this video, we examine the issues faced by employers and the projects we've been involved in and what has worked.

Please get in touch if you wish to have any more information on Emiratisation in the UAE. Clyde & Co is a Gold member of the Emiratisation Partners Club.