EMIRATISATION IN THE UAE

Ensure Compliance. Recruit Top Talent.
Mentoring Included.

A Unique Concept:
Building Bridges Between the UAE & Germany

Our expert team connects qualified Emirati professionals with
experience in German business culture and provides tailored legal advisory services.

Emiratisation Made Simple
Three Experts. One Partnership. One Solution.

Why Emiratisation Is Now Critical for German Companies in the UAE

Emiratisation is no longer optional in the UAE. All mainland companies with 50 or more employees are legally required to meet defined Emiratisation quotas. Smaller mainland entities may also fall under these obligations if certain regulatory criteria apply.

At Departer, together in partnership with the German Emirati Institute (GEI) and the legal experts at emltc ,
we make Emiratisation for your business compliant, efficient, and sustainable.

Departer – The Know-Who People

As a German Executive Search specialist with over 20 years of experience, Departer supports the Mittelstand in filling leadership and management positions worldwide, all from a single source and across international borders. With our office in Dubai, we are directly present in the Middle East and guide companies in shaping their talent strategies in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

German Emirati Institute (GEI)

The GEI develops training, mentoring and leadership programs designed to specifically empower Emirati professionals and executives. In close partnership with Departer, this creates a bridge between DACH companies and the UAE: while the GEI qualifies the talent, Departer ensures their seamless placement into German corporate structures.

emltc

The legal and tax advisory firm emltc and its experienced (German) advisors provide DACH companies with the legal and regulatory certainty needed to implement Emiratisation requirements. With extensive expertise in compliance, labor law and corporate structures, emltc supports companies in meeting legal requirements effectively.

With over 20 years of  Executive Search expertise, we build lasting bridges between the UAE and Germany from our hub in Dubai.

Norman Sterz
Co Founder at Departer

For 15 years, we have been guiding young Emiratis as mentors on their professional career journey.


Helmut Reichelt
Deputy CEO at GEI

Our goal is to provide our clients with targeted advisory services that ensure sustainable success in the region.

Dr. Constantin Frank-Fahle, LL.M.
Founding Partner at emltc

Free Download

Emiratisation Checklist

Together with our partner emltc, we have developed a hands-on Emiratisation Compliance Checklist. This practical Decision Navigator offers an initial overview of which companies must meet Emiratisation quotas and which measures organisations can consider to fulfil regulatory obligations.

The checklist does not constitute legal advice and does not replace the need to obtain professional legal advice.

Download your free PDF
Please fill in the form below to access your download.





Our All-in-One Concept for Your Emiratisation Strategy

Emirati Talent-Entwicklung


The GEI continuously supports selected Emirati university students in developing their skills through various leadership programmes.
Example: Intensive 12-Week Programme:
  • 2 weeks in the UAE: Introduction to Emirati and German work and leadership culture
  • 8 weeks in Germany: Practical experience with leading companies such as Linde, Diehl Aviation, ArianeGroup and others
  • 2 weeks in the UAE: Integration and network development

Outcome: Since 2022, 76 graduates have gained their first professional experience in German companies.
Advantage of EMIRATISATION PLUS: Access to top Emirati talent through strong networks and practice-oriented leadership programmes.

Departer Talent Matching (Emiratisation Recruiting)

Departer makes the Difference: With our long-standing executive search and recruitment expertise for the German Mittelstand, we ensure a precise match between Emirati professionals and the requirements of German companies in the UAE..

Your Business Benefits:

  • Tailored Matchmaking: Individual analysis of career goals, skills, and corporate culture for seamless integration.
  • Exclusive Talent Pool: Access to pre-qualified graduates with German experience from programs like Jusoor.
  • Experienced Leaders: Placement of seasoned Emiratis with international expertise and leadership skills.
  • Sustainable Solutions: Long-term placements instead of short-term fixes, building strong teams and securing lasting success.

Compliance Assurance in Emiratisation

Legally Compliant Implementation Compliance with Emiratisation requirements (for example, NAFIS, WPS, GPSSA). We ensure that legal quotas and processes are met seamlessly.

Risk Protection against “Fake Emiratisation” or incorrect registrations through audits, due diligence and clear control mechanisms.

Integration into Your HR Strategy Turning compliance measures into a competitive advantage by creating security, transparency and sustainable structures.

References:
Together for the sustainable success of DACH companies in the UAE

As part of our close cooperation with the German Emirati Institute (GEI), we are committed to the successful implementation of Emiratisation in German companies. The GEI provides valuable real-world references: insights and testimonials from companies sharing their experiences within the Jusoor Leadership Program.

Proven Success: References from German Businesses

“Collaborating with the German Emirati Institute on the Jusoor Leadership Program has been an inspiring experience. The team’s genuine dedication has created an engaging and supportive environment for the Emirati students and for us as mentors as well.”

Linde Engineering Middle East, Abu Dhabi, UAE

„Working with the German Emirati Institute as part of the Jusoor Leadership Program is always an enriching experience for us. We particularly value the professional organization and the meaningful impact of the dedicated exchange with the Emirati students!”

Diehl Aviation, Frankfurt, Germany

"The German Emirati Institute made it all possible! We had the pleasure of working with motivated Emirati students and together we gained valuable insights into each other's culture and ways of working. Throghout the exchange, we shared our values and visions for future collaborations. We experienced the German Emirati Institute as a reliable and supportive partner, always ready to guide, help and support."

ArianeGroup, Lampoldshausen, Germany

“The involvement with the Jusoor Leadership Program is a yearly highlight where most talented students from the UAE joins our company with their contributions. These success stories are mainly contributed to the outstanding organization and mentoring of the students activities by the German-Emirati-Institute. Their support, cooperation and involvement always exceeded expectations making the Jusoor Leadership Program such a success story.”

eSIC, München & Ilmenau, Germany

Emiratization in the UAE
Ensure Compliance & Unlock Opportunities

  • Legal Obligation: Mainland companies with 50 or more employees are required to employ at least 10% Emirati nationals in qualified positions by the end of 2026 (incremental increase) and are subject to substantial fines in cases of non-compliance. Smaller mainland entities may also be subject to Emiratisation requirements under specific conditions.
  • Penalties for “Fake Emiratisation”: Misleading or fraudulent employment practices can result in fines of up to AED 500,000. We ensure your Emiratisation strategy is fully compliant with legal standards.
  • Compliance from Day One: Emiratisation requires in-scope companies to adhere to comprehensive compliance frameworks, including key systems such as NAFIS, WPS and GPSSA.
  • Understanding and Managing Nuances: Free Zones are currently exempt from Emiratisation regulations, while certain mainland companies are mandated to comply. Emiratisation also plays a crucial role in In-Country Value (ICV) considerations.

Talent Development & Mentoring

Emirati Talent Pool Matching
& Recruting & Mentoring

Legal Support

Together, we build bridges between DACH companies and Emirati talent in the UAE.

Departer and GEI connect qualified Emiratis from German-Emirati programs with German companies in the UAE.

Student Statements

How the Emiratization Plus Program Shapes Sustainable Careers for Emirati Talent

🎓 Mariam Shadad
“I’m very happy to tell you that I was chosen for a position in Lufthansa technik and I’m starting in May for my internship and new Lufthansa employee.”

🎓 Mohamed Alzaabi
“You can’t imagine how many opportunities I was given after the Germany Emirati Institute program. I’m really thankful for the opportunity I got.”

🎓 Salem Alzeyoudi
“The internship in Germany was a great milestone... Thank you for all your support.”

🎓 Shaikha Alshoomi
“I would like to thank the program a lot for giving me other opportunities. Remembering this means a lot to me. Raqmiet company has reached out to me and I’m done with the interview. Thank you so much.”

🎓 Ali Alameeri
“Thanks to the experience I gained as part of the program, I was able to secure a job as a Sustainability Executive. I’ve now been working for almost 5 months at the company. I’m really happy that the program is still running and new Emiratis arrive in Germany. I’m happy to help or share my experience with the new trainees.”

Emiratisation FAQs

Many HR leaders and DACH companies in the UAE face the same questions about Emiratisation:
    Who is affected, what quotas apply, and what are the key compliance requirements?
In collaboration with our partner emltc, we developed FAQs that provide clear, concise and practical answers to the key questions around Emiratisation.

Schedule a non-binding Emiratisation consultation appointment with our market expert for HR projects in MEAI.

Yasha Grigoleit

Managing Partner MEAI

Emiratisation.
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