Emiratisation in the UAE: Prevent a penalty of AED 42.000 for each unemployed citizen

Emiratisation: Shaping the UAE’s Future Through Employment and Professional Development of Emiratis

Emiratisation, also known as the UAE’s nationalization program, is a visionary initiative aimed at promoting the employment and professional development of Emiratis within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Embracing Emiratisation is an integral part of the country’s long-term strategy to create a diversified and sustainable economy, strengthen national identity, and foster social cohesion. This text explores the significance of Emiratisation, its objectives, key initiatives, and the positive impact it has had on both Emirati individuals and the nation.

Empowering UAE Citizens to Boost Economic Growth and Innovation

The primary goal of Emiratisation is to increase the participation of Emiratis in the public and private sectors, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign labour. By empowering Emirati citizens to take on key roles in various industries, the UAE aims to create a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. Emiratisation seeks to provide Emiratis with equal opportunities, training, and development to excel in their chosen professions.

UAE’s MoHRE Extends Deadline for Private Sector Emiratisation Targets, Fines Await Non-Compliance

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the UAE has extended the deadline for private sector companies to meet their semi-annual Emiratisation targets. The new deadline is July 7, considering the Eid Al Adha holiday, which will provide more time for companies to reach their targets. Companies are required to add 2% Emiratis to their workforce annually until 2026. The original deadline for 3% Emirati employees has been pushed to July 7. Non-compliant companies will face a fine of AED 42.000 for each Emirati not employed starting from July 8. The fines will increase annually until 2026. Emiratisation aims to enhance the role and competitiveness of UAE nationals in the labor market and promote their active participation in the country’s economic development. The MoHRE encourages companies to take advantage of the extended deadline to meet their targets and avoid penalties.

The Smart Rental Index in Dubai: A Legal Analysis

The Smart Rental Index is a crucial instrument for regulating the rental market in Dubai. It contributes to market stability and transparency, providing legal guidance for both tenants and landlords. However, there remains room for optimization, particularly in considering individual property characteristics and maintaining flexibility for investors. A continuous adaptation of the index to market conditions could help establish a balanced relationship between tenant protection and economic attractiveness for landlords and investors.

Conversion from Leasehold to Freehold Properties in Dubai

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that private property owners in two prominent areas, Sheikh Zayed Road (from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal) and Al Jaddaf, can convert their property ownership to freehold status. This opportunity is available to all nationalities and applies to 457 eligible plots: 128 in Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 in Al Jaddaf. The initiative is part of Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033, aimed at driving growth and strengthening the emirate’s position as a global hub for real estate investment.

Recent Developments in Employment Law in the UAE: Focus on Abu Dhabi Global Market and Remote Work

Significant reforms to UAE employment law will take effect in April 2025, focusing on the groundbreaking regulations of the Abu Dhabi Global Market. These updates redefine employee rights, introduce comprehensive protections for remote workers, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in flexible work models. The new regulations mark an important step in the evolution of the labor market, aligning it with the modern demands of the workforce

The Cologne Regional Court ruled that a chocolate product cannot be marketed as "Dubai Chocolate" if it is neither produced in Dubai nor has any geographical connection to Dubai. Distribution companies had advertised the chocolate with phrases like "a touch of Dubai" and "bringing the magic of Dubai to your home." The court deemed this misleading, as consumers might assume the chocolate originates from Dubai. Such use of geographical indications is prohibited under Section 128(1) of the German Trademark Act

District Court of Cologne Decision: Misleading Advertising – Dubai Chocolate Must Come from Dubai

The Cologne District Court ruled that a chocolate product cannot be marketed as „Dubai Chocolate“ if it is neither produced in Dubai nor has any geographical connection to Dubai. Distribution companies had advertised the chocolate with phrases like „a touch of Dubai“ and „bringing the magic of Dubai to your home.“ The court deemed this misleading, as consumers might assume the chocolate originates from Dubai. Such use of geographical indications is prohibited under Section 128(1) of the German Trademark Act.

Author

TME Legal