UAE Banks Exceed Emiratisation Targets by 160% — What the CBUAE’s 2025 Data Reveals
The UAE’s push to place nationals at the heart of its financial sector is not just on track — it has surpassed every benchmark set for it.
The Central Bank of the UAE reported significant progress in Emiratisation across the banking, financial, and insurance sectors, with employment targets exceeded and compliance rates nearing full alignment by the end of 2025. The total number of UAE nationals employed in these sectors reached 23,364, representing an Emiratisation rate of 31%. During the year, 2,901 Emiratis were hired — well above the annual target of 1,816 — marking an achievement rate of around 160%.
The Numbers Behind the Milestone
Between 2022 and 2027, approximately 10,300 jobs were earmarked for UAE nationals. By the end of 2025, employment had reached 10,780, exceeding the cumulative target ahead of schedule.
Training has kept pace with hiring. Under the “Al Ain Initiative,” five banks committed to hiring 1,700 UAE nationals across 2025 and 2026. By the end of 2025, 1,016 Emiratis had already been employed, achieving roughly 60% of the target. In 2025 alone, 17,338 Emiratis were trained, accounting for 46% of all trainees.
The Bigger Picture
The CBUAE’s 2025 annual report highlighted exceptional economic performance, with real GDP growth of 5.6% in 2025 and continued growth projected for 2026, underscoring high confidence in the UAE’s financial system.
Emiratisation in the financial sector is no longer just a compliance exercise — it is becoming a structural pillar of the UAE’s long-term economic competitiveness strategy.
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