In many cases, yes, by law. The UAE's Emiratisation and Saudi Arabia's Saudisation set targets or quotas for nationals in the private sector. Foreigners are still hired in large numbers, especially experienced specialists in tech, but entry-level roles are more competitive. Plan for the Gulf as a move after a few years of strong experience, not as a first job.
What people tell me
I want to work in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, but I have heard that companies there now prefer locals and that foreigners only get hired for senior roles. Others say there are still lots of jobs for expats. I am a junior developer. Is it true that Gulf companies prefer hiring nationals, and does that mean I should give up on the Gulf?
A composite of the messages behind this question, with personal details left out.
Key takeaways
- National workforce policies are real: Emiratisation in the UAE and Saudisation in Saudi Arabia.
- UAE companies with 50 or more employees must grow the share of Emiratis in skilled roles each year.
- Saudi Arabia sets quotas by profession and company size, including for engineering roles.
- Experienced specialists in cloud, security, data and AI are still widely hired from abroad.
- For juniors, experience at home or with a multinational is the most reliable route to the Gulf.
The policies, in plain words
UAE (Emiratisation). The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requires private companies with 50 or more employees to increase the share of UAE nationals in skilled jobs, described as 2% growth each year, with financial contributions for companies that miss targets. Some smaller companies in targeted sectors must hire at least one Emirati.
Saudi Arabia (Saudisation, also called Nitaqat). Saudi rules set quotas for Saudi nationals depending on the sector, company size and profession. Some professions are fully or partly reserved. For example, Saudisation of 25% of engineering professions in private establishments with at least five such workers took effect in July 2024.
Other Gulf countries have similar programmes. Rules change often, so read the official ministry pages before planning around a specific number.
What it means in practice
| Profile | How these policies affect you |
|---|---|
| Fresh graduate from abroad | More competition for entry-level roles, which are often where nationals are placed |
| 2 to 5 years in a high-demand skill | Still widely hired, especially in cloud, security, data and AI |
| Senior specialist | Strong demand; policies matter less than your track record |
| Already working in a multinational | Internal transfers are often the smoothest route |
So "prefer nationals" is true in the sense that companies must meet targets. It does not mean foreigners are not hired. It means the door is wider for experienced people.
What to do as a junior
- Build a few years of strong experience at home, ideally in a skill the region is short of: cloud, cybersecurity, data engineering or AI engineering.
- Consider multinationals with Gulf offices. Joining at home and transferring later is common.
- Learn some Arabic if you are serious about the region. It is not always required, but it helps in client-facing and government-linked work.
- Keep remote work in view. Working remotely for Gulf or global companies from home is another way in. See Should I work abroad or work remotely from home?.
How to read a Gulf job post
- "Nationals only" or a local hiring programme: the role is reserved; do not apply as a foreigner.
- "Must be in country" or "local candidates": they want someone already resident, often to start quickly.
- "Relocation provided" or "visa provided": they expect to hire from abroad.
- No mention: apply if you match well, and ask early in the process.
Reading posts this way saves you from applying to roles you cannot get and helps you focus on the ones open to you.
The long view
National workforce policies are long-term goals for these countries, so expect them to stay. Plan around them rather than hoping they will disappear: aim for skills where demand outstrips local supply, and build experience that makes you worth sponsoring.
If you are still stuck
The work abroad roadmap covers choosing a country and applying from home. For specific markets, read Can a fresher get a software job in Dubai? and How do I get a cybersecurity job in Saudi Arabia?. Before you accept anything, read How do I check if a job offer from abroad is a scam? If you want help planning a Gulf move, join Sefism and, as a member, book a 1:1 session.
Was this answer helpful?
Read next
- Remote Jobs in Pakistan: How Software Engineers Get Remote Work That Pays in DollarsA practical guide to remote jobs in Pakistan for software engineers: the four kinds of remote work, where to find real listings, what remote employers screen for, getting paid and tax basics, and how to spot remote job scams.
- How to Apply for Software Engineering JobsHow to apply for software engineering jobs in 2026: when you are ready, where to find roles, why referrals beat job boards, how many applications to keep live, cover letters, tracking, follow ups and what to do when an offer arrives.
Your situation is not quite this one?
Members get written answers to their own questions, a roadmap built for them and feedback on their projects. Early access is open: sign up and your account is active shortly after. Prefer to talk? A free call works too.