What is the key change in the newly announced Nafis Award 2025–2026, and how does it shift the focus of Emiratisation in the UAE?

The fourth cycle of the Nafis Award marks a major shift from simply increasing the number of Emiratis in private-sector jobs to prioritising the quality, sustainability and long-term development of those roles. With Emirati participation in the private sector rising by over 437% since 2021, the new award cycle introduces refined evaluation criteria that reward companies for retaining talent, investing in training and actively using the Nafis platform. A notable update is the creation of a dedicated sub-category for education professionals—teachers, assistant teachers and supervisors—reflecting growing Emirati talent in this sector. While establishments will be assessed automatically through MoHRE and Central Bank data, individuals can apply across 11 sub-categories, including the new education track. Do you think focusing on job quality over numbers will make Emiratisation more effective in the long run?

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