Employers need to embrace these trends and rethink their operating and business models
How Emiratisation and AI are shaping the modern UAE workforce
The UAE workforce is evolving at unprecedented speed. With ambitious national goals and exponential technological advancements converging, companies must rethink their workforce strategies, not just to keep pace but to lead the way. This isn’t merely a matter of compliance or innovation. It is a rare opportunity to build a future-ready workforce that is locally rooted, digitally empowered, and globally competitive.
Embracing Emiratisation as a strategic asset
Emiratisation is a core pillar of the UAE’s long-term economic vision. With increasing mandates and significant government support, especially for private sector employers, the drive is now towards meaningful, strategic participation of UAE nationals at every level of the workforce.
“Smart companies have quickly understood that Emiratisation is not just about achieving a number but a way to build a competitive edge,” says Ahmed Al Falasi, Emiratization Partner, HR Engine at boutique recruitment agency HR Engine.
These companies have been able to unlock new revenue streams and speed up their operations, especially those serving government clients or locally owned businesses, by being more connected to local culture and building stronger rapport with key stakeholders.
How Emiratisation and AI are shaping the modern UAE workforce
Ahmed Al Falasi
Emiratization Partner
While many employers have historically focused on hiring fresh Emirati graduates into junior roles to manage cost, leading organisations realise this approach is temporary. True Emiratisation is not about headcount; it is about impact. It must extend across the organisation: from entry-level roles to senior management and the boardroom.
These forward-thinking companies are embracing Emiratisation as a strategic asset. By investing in national talent and integrating Emiratis into decision-making layers, they position themselves closer to the UAE’s long-term vision and gain access to valuable networks and growth opportunities.
This shift has been evident at HR Engine. In the past year, the company has seen a noticeable increase in demand from clients looking to appoint Emirati board members and C-suite executives. This trend has prompted the launch of HR Engine’s Board Member and Executive Search service, dedicated to identifying top-tier Emirati talent with years of experience to take on leadership roles that influence the strategic direction of private sector companies.
AI wave
In parallel with Emiratisation, another force is reshaping the modern workforce: artificial intelligence (AI).
“The modern UAE workforce will blend national and expat talent within a strong AI culture,” says Chris Wing, Partner at HR Engine. “Companies must stop viewing their human strategies and AI adoption as separate strategies.”
Several factors are increasing manpower cost including the rising cost of living, competitiveness of the job market and Emiratisation. A strong AI adoption strategy will enable companies to holistically rethink how their companies are built and operate.
But embracing AI should not be limited to company systems and processes. It must extend to individual capability. Both Emiratis and expats have a tremendous opportunity to increase their value by mastering AI tools that boost productivity, enhance decision-making, and accelerate learning.
“If we want our talent pool, and ultimately our companies, to thrive in the digital economy, we must invest in upskilling, specifically in AI fluency,” explains Al Falasi. “Those who know how to use these tools can outperform, outlearn and out-deliver. The UAE knows this well, hence the recently announced UAE government initiative to provide access to ChatGPT Plus to the entire population.”
HR Engine, eager to participate in upskilling the UAE’s talent pool, has launched its AI training programme, focusing on providing AI literacy courses to talent of any seniority level, tackling the basics of AI for productivity and efficiency, to C-suite level advice on how to safely incorporate AI within manpower strategies.
Opportunity for smart employers
At the intersection of Emiratisation and AI lies a unique and powerful opportunity. Employers who embrace both trends are in a prime position to build workforces that are digitally advanced, culturally grounded, and strategically aligned with the UAE’s vision for the future.
“The businesses that will thrive in the next five years are those that understand how to localise innovation,” adds Al Falasi. “That means blending the strengths of our national and expat talent with the power of technology.”
This opportunity, however, is not automatic. It requires deliberate investment in AI infrastructure, in leadership development, and in employee career development.
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