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Nationality & Language Search Strings
How do I search for nationals or Arabic speakers the right way?
How the strings are built
Each string is an OR group of the words people actually use to describe themselves — the English demonym, phrases like 'UAE National', and the Arabic forms — or, for languages, the language name with proficiency words such as native, fluent or bilingual. Paste the string after your title group with AND. Nationality strings are for nationalisation roles; language strings work for any role where the language is a real requirement.
- Nationalisation role
- A job filled under Emiratisation, Saudization or another GCC quota scheme.
- Proficiency words
- Native, fluent, bilingual, mother tongue — added so the language is a real skill, not a passing mention.
Use nationality filters carefully
- Only filter by nationality where a nationalisation rule applies to the role. Otherwise screen on skills and languages.
- A search hit is not proof of nationality. Verify eligibility before counting a hire toward your quota.
- Language strings find people who mention a language; test it in the interview if it matters for the job.
Hiring for a quota?
Check how many nationals you need with the Emiratisation calculator or the Saudized jobs list, then add these strings to the Boolean search generator. For widening your pool more broadly, see diversity sourcing strings.
Frequently asked questions
When is it lawful to search for a specific nationality?
When you are filling a role under a nationalisation programme — Emiratisation in the UAE, Saudization (Nitaqat) in Saudi Arabia, or the equivalent schemes in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Those rules require or reward hiring nationals, so searching for them is expected. Outside those programmes, UAE Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 prohibits discrimination on grounds including national origin, so search on skills and languages instead.
Why search for a language rather than a nationality?
Because the job needs the language, not the passport. If the role serves Arabic-, Hindi- or Tagalog-speaking customers, a language string finds everyone who can do the work — including nationals of other countries and second-generation residents — and keeps your search defensible.
Why include Arabic words in the search strings?
Many GCC nationals write their LinkedIn headline or CV in Arabic, so English-only words such as 'Emirati' or 'Saudi national' miss them. The strings add the common Arabic forms (for example إماراتي and مواطن) in the same OR group.
Does a profile that matches mean the person is a national?
No. A word on a profile is only a hint — people mention countries for many reasons. Confirm eligibility the normal way (Emirates ID, Saudi national ID, the relevant government platform) before counting a hire toward a quota.
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Add-on strings to reach women in tech, returners, people of determination and more.
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Job ad in English and Arabic, marked 'UAE nationals preferred', ready to post.
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