UAE introduces new Emiratisation rules for healthcare sector

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced new Emiratisation requirements for the private healthcare sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Under the revised policy, private healthcare facilities with 50 or more employees must continue achieving a 2 per cent annual increase in Emiratisation.

However, those positions allocated to UAE nationals must now be split equally between specialised healthcare jobs and other skilled roles within the healthcare facility.

Officials say the move aims to increase the number of Emiratis working in healthcare, support career development for national talent, and strengthen the quality and sustainability of services.

Healthcare facilities are being urged to review their staffing plans and ensure compliance, including by posting vacancies on the Nafis platform to access qualified Emirati talent.

Authorities will begin reviewing compliance with the new requirements in 2027, with financial penalties for establishments that fail to meet the targets.

More than 8,800 Emiratis were employed in the private healthcare sector by the end of 2025, with women making up 82 per cent of the workforce.

MoHRE updated Emiratisation in private healthcare, maintaining the 2% target with equal split across specialised and skilled roles.

Facilities are urged to post vacancies on Nafis.#MOHRE #UAE pic.twitter.com/qPlU3tfqcn

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 16, 2026