Private healthcare facilities in the UAE have a new hiring target to hit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced today that providers must allocate half of their annual Emiratisation targets to specialised healthcare roles.
This requirement means facilities need to split jobs for UAE citizens equally between specialised medical professions and other skilled roles. The decision, issued in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, follows a comprehensive evaluation of private-sector healthcare jobs. The ministry will start checking compliance at the beginning of 2027, and establishments that miss the mark will face financial contributions.
The sector already employs a growing national workforce. More than 8,800 Emiratis worked in private healthcare by the end of last year, with women making up 82 per cent of that group.
Strategic Workforce Growth
Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, urged facilities to review their current status. She stressed the importance of preparing clear plans, especially for those that have already achieved the required growth for the first half of this year. She specifically urged these facilities to work towards achieving 1 per cent growth in healthcare jobs during the second half of the year.
assess their current status and prepare clear compliance plans
— Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE
Al Ali also encouraged providers to list vacancies on the Nafis platform to connect with qualified Emirati talent.
Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, framed the decision as part of a coordinated effort. He noted that dedicating 50 per cent of targets to healthcare roles helps expand the national workforce.
create long-term career opportunities in a vital sector
— Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention
The government recently extended the Nafis programme until 2040, reinforcing the focus on national employment as a priority. Facilities with 50 or more employees are already required to achieve a 2 per cent annual growth in Emiratisation across skilled jobs. This existing rule requires half of the target to be met in the first half of the year, with the remaining half achieved in the second half.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new Emiratisation targets for private healthcare facilities?
The new rule requires private healthcare providers to allocate half of their annual Emiratisation targets to specialised medical roles starting in 2027.
When will the new Emiratisation rule for healthcare start?
Compliance checks will begin at the start of 2027, and from that year facilities must meet the split of targets.
How will private healthcare providers be penalized for not meeting Emiratisation targets?
Facilities that miss the required targets will face financial contributions as a penalty.
What is the role of the Nafis platform in Emiratisation for healthcare?
Providers are encouraged to list vacancies on the Nafis platform to connect with qualified Emirati talent.
How many Emiratis work in private healthcare currently?
More than 8,800 Emiratis were employed in private healthcare by the end of last year.
What percentage of Emiratis in private healthcare are women?
Women make up 82 % of the Emirati workforce in private healthcare.
