The UAE has introduced a revised Emiratisation strategy for the period 2027–2030, aiming to achieve localisation levels of between 50 and 60 per cent across insurance companies, with targets adjusted based on the size of the organisation.
The strategy also stipulates the recruitment of at least one Emirati each year in companies with between two and 19 employees. Additionally, it sets a 30 per cent localisation target for firms with 20 or more employees, 45 per cent for critical roles, and 30 per cent for top executive positions such as chief executive officers and general managers.
UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Al Husaini, announced the strategy during a Federal National Council (FNC) session held on Wednesday. His remarks came in response to a question posed by FNC member Adnan Al Hammadi regarding the Central Bank’s role in enforcing Emiratisation compliance within the insurance industry.
The minister reported significant progress in the sector’s Emiratisation performance. As of 1 June 2025, Emiratis accounted for 2,159 of the total 9,773 employees in the insurance sector, equating to 22.09 per cent. This reflects a notable rise from 13.34 per cent in 2022 and 21.64 per cent in 2024.
“The 2022–2026 strategy seeks to increase the Emiratisation rate to 30 per cent by 2026, with an estimated annual growth of approximately 3 per cent,” the minister stated.
To uphold compliance and deter manipulation of Emiratisation data, the Central Bank has established a dedicated Supervision and Inspection Unit. This body has the authority to impose fines of AED 60,000 on firms found lacking Emirati staff, based on a penalty of AED 20,000 per violation point.
