The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has identified 377 cases of fake Emiratisation across 266 private sector companies during the first half of 2026, using a combination of field inspections and digital monitoring tools.
Legal action has been taken against all violating establishments under Cabinet Decision No. 43 of 2025, which sets out the administrative violations and penalties related to the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’s programmes.
The Ministry was careful to frame the scale: the cases detected represent isolated conduct, it said, not a widespread pattern in the UAE labour market.
Fake Emiratisation, as defined by MoHRE, involves registering an Emirati citizen with a company, issuing a work permit and employment contract, without any genuine employment relationship or actual duties attached.
The arrangement typically serves one of two purposes: meeting Emiratisation targets on paper, or accessing government incentives and support systems designed for the employment and training of UAE nationals.
The Ministry said the harm from such practices extends well beyond a legal infraction. It distorts labour market data, misallocates government resources, shuts genuine Emirati jobseekers out of real opportunities, and puts compliant companies at a disadvantage against competitors cutting corners.
MoHRE drew a clear line on what the policy is meant to achieve: not a headcount on a register, but a productive employment relationship with defined tasks, responsibilities, and a career development path. “Genuine Emiratisation means a real job, real tasks, and a real career path; not just a number in records,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry called on Emirati citizens not to accept or participate in such arrangements, even when approached by violating companies, and asked the public to report suspected cases via its hotline at 600590000, its smart application, or its website.
MoHRE said it is continuing to develop its monitoring and verification capabilities, including the use of data analytics to detect unlawful practices and protect establishments that are genuinely investing in Emirati talent.
