Across the UAE, government entities are increasingly seeking Emirati talent with private sector backgrounds, recognizing the unique skills and competitive work ethic honed in commercial settings as vital for enhancing public sector services.
This strategic shift aligns with the UAE’s impressive progress in its Emiratisation initiative, which has seen over 152,000 Emiratis employed in the private sector by June 2025—a 33% surge in the first half of the year alone.
This growth reflects the success of initiatives led by the Emirati Human Resources Competitiveness Council, ‘Nafis’, which aims to place 75,000 citizens in private sector positions within five years.
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Athari Mohamed, Executive Director of Human Resources and Development at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), emphasized the advantages of hiring Emiratis from the private sector. “We have faith in the capabilities of our citizens, whether in private or government sectors,” she stated.
“Citizens in the private sector stand out due to the sector’s diverse nature, interaction with multiple nationalities, and demanding goals and hours.”
She noted that the private sector’s agility allows for faster adaptation and execution. “Government policies take time to implement, but private sectors are more flexible. This readiness makes it easier for them to transition to government roles, and for us to recruit skilled and adaptable individuals.”
Abdulaziz Al-Falahi, General Supervisor of Recruitment Operations in the Private Sector at the UAE Human Resources Development Council, echoed this sentiment.
He stressed that private sector experience is crucial for career growth. “Working in the private sector is essential for gaining experience. Many companies are global, providing valuable knowledge.”
Al-Falahi suggested that private sector experience can empower Emiratis to become entrepreneurs. “For instance, after three years in logistics, there’s no reason a citizen can’t start their own business.”
He further explained that the private sector’s rigorous environment is a valuable training ground. “The private sector’s strict focus on profits, goals, and performance acts like a training course for future government roles, aligning with high standards set by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.”
The experience gained in private companies significantly enhances worker efficiency, making them vital additions to the public sector workforce.
Policy framework supports transition
The growing interest in private sector experience is bolstered by a recent UAE Cabinet decision prioritizing federal government job applicants with at least three years of private sector experience.
Announced in May 2024, this decision aims to integrate private sector expertise into government services.
This policy encourages Emiratis to take private sector roles, with laws requiring firms to annually increase their Emirati workforce.
Currently, private sector companies with 50+ employees must achieve a 2% annual Emiratisation increase in skilled roles, aiming for a 10% target by 2026.
Requirements have been extended to companies with 20-49 employees, necessitating the hiring of at least one UAE citizen by 2024, rising to two by 2025.
This policy shift acknowledges the narrowing gap between public and private sector benefits, making cross-sector mobility more appealing to Emirati professionals.
As government entities vie for elite talent, the focus on private sector expertise marks a new era in public sector recruitment, valuing commercial acumen and adaptability.
