Beyond the Quota: The Next Chapter in the Emiratization Journey (and What It Means for UAE Business Leaders) (July 27, 2026)

Having taken on the role in April 2026, with a key focus on advancing Emiratization across the business and strengthening local talent development, Alhirey is widely aware of the repercussions of approaching Emiratization as merely a regulatory requirement.

“A common mistake is treating Emiratization as an HR compliance task rather than a business responsibility,” Alhirey, who has over 15 years of industry experience, notes. “If organizations focus only on hiring numbers, they may meet the targets in the short term but struggle with engagement, retention and performance over time. Successful Emiratization requires organisations to move from a numbers mindset to a capability mindset. Another risk is recruiting Emirati employees without a clearly defined role, development plan or career path. This can create frustration for both the employee and the business. At Emrill, our Emiratization strategy therefore focuses on ensuring roles are clearly defined, expectations are set and managers are equipped to coach and develop national talent.”