UAE detects 377 fake Emiratisation cases at 266 private firms in H1 2026

Dubai - The UAE has identified 377 instances of fake Emiratisation in 266 private-sector companies during the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry has initiated legal proceedings against the companies and individuals implicated in the breaches, as part of its commitment to uphold the nation's Emiratisation guidelines.

MoHRE emphasized that these cases represent isolated violations and do not reflect a widespread issue in the UAE labor market. Fake Emiratisation occurs when companies list Emirati nationals as employees to satisfy mandatory national employment quotas, without establishing a legitimate employment arrangement or assigning them meaningful tasks.

The ministry urged private-sector entities and Emirati citizens to adhere to Emiratisation policies diligently, cautioning against attempts to evade the regulations. The public is encouraged to report any suspected cases of fake Emiratisation via the ministry's official channels, such as its call center at 600590000, the MoHRE application, or the ministry's website.

To avoid penalties, MoHRE warned employers to meet their Emiratisation targets by June 30, with a Dh120,000 fine for non-compliance. In recent months, the UAE has conducted 695,000 inspections, resulting in a 62% decrease in fake Emiratisation cases.