Private-sector firms in the UAE with 50 or more staff must reach 10% Emiratis in skilled roles by 31 December 2026, with a fine of AED 10,000 per month running from 1 July 2026 for each unmet target. What it means for you: non-compliant firms face mounting monthly fines, which drives hiring reshuffles — Emiratization roles get prioritised and hiring freezes appear at firms behind target. There is no mass expat layoff rule; job-seekers should target compliant firms and Nafis-program roles. Sources: WAM, via ZenHR. Related: UAE hub and UAE gratuity calculator.