CBUAE advances Emiratisation in financial sector

April 22, 2026 / 7:28 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in line with the vision of the wise leadership and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE, has continued its strategic efforts to advance Emiratisation across the banking, financial, and insurance sectors.

Strengthening national talent and economic sustainability

The initiative forms part of national priorities aimed at empowering Emirati talent, strengthening economic sustainability, and building an integrated ecosystem that combines regulatory development, career pathways, and investment in human capital.

Strong Emiratisation growth and targets exceeded

By the end of 2025, the total number of UAE nationals employed in the sectors reached 23,364, with an Emiratisation rate of 31%. During the year, 2,901 Emiratis were employed, surpassing the annual target by around 160%.

The data also showed that employment targets set between 2022 and 2027 were exceeded ahead of schedule, while compliance among financial institutions reached 97%, reflecting strong policy effectiveness.

Targeted initiatives and regional employment support

In cooperation with federal and local entities, the CBUAE launched targeted programmes including the “Al Ain Initiative,” which achieved a 60% employment rate for its 2025–2026 goals.

Additional initiatives focus on regions with high numbers of job seekers across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, with ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities.

Training and professional development programmes

The CBUAE, in partnership with the Emirates Institute of Finance, continues to support training and qualification programmes, with 17,338 Emiratis trained in 2025 alone, representing 46% of total trainees.

The “Ethraa” programme has graduated around 5,500 Emiratis between 2022 and 2025, while its career fairs in 2025 led to the employment of 2,396 nationals.

Advanced certifications and specialised programmes

The Emirates Institute of Finance offers 25 internationally recognised certifications in banking, finance, compliance, and insurance, supporting the development of specialised national expertise.

Leadership statement on Emiratisation

CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama reaffirmed that Emiratisation in the financial sector is a cornerstone of building a sustainable economy, stressing continued efforts to empower national talent and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.