Page 100 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

Additionally, 31 percent of companies have implemented flexible work hours, with potential
expansion possible for 66 percent of those not currently applying the policy.

The study found that implementing flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and
remote work – allowing four to five remote workdays per month for employees in both public and
private sectors – can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30 percent. For example, if
20 percent of employees work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road could decrease by 9.8
percent and on Al Khail Road by 8.4 percent. Additionally, flexible working hours alone could reduce
traffic volumes by 5.7 percent on Sheikh Zayed Road and 5 percent on Al Khail Road.

Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar
held a coordination meeting with Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai
Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The meeting reviewed the results of the study aimed at encouraging the private sector to adopt
flexible working hours and remote work policies. This initiative supports the Dubai leadership’s
vision to become the world’s best city to live in by fostering well-being, boosting community
happiness, and reducing traffic density. This goal can be achieved by ensuring smooth traffic flow
and facilitating residents' and visitors’ safe and seamless access to their destinations.

Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that transport policies form a key component of Dubai’s integrated roads
and transport planning aligned with global best practices in advanced cities.

He said, “RTA relies on a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the mobility and
transport demands stemming from Dubai’s urban and economic growth. This strategy rests on five
core elements: developing and expanding road networks and facilities; enhancing public transport
routes, infrastructure, services, shared mobility and first and last-mile solutions; implementing
policies and procedures to reduce or redistribute traffic demand across roads and transport
modes; advancing traffic control systems and centres; and ensuring the integration of these
elements at all levels.
“RTA develops and applies these five elements in a balanced manner, setting priorities and
implementation phases based on traffic demands and congestion levels on main traffic corridors.”

“Remote work and flexible working hours are among the traffic demand management policies
aimed at achieving balance and integration in the transport system by reducing or redistributing
demand across time and place while promoting sustainable transport options. These policies also
include the expansion of truck movement restrictions, increasing dedicated lanes for buses and
taxis, and providing first and last-mile options to encourage residents and visitors to use public
transport instead of private vehicles. Additionally, they support public transport use for employees
and encourage carpooling,” Al Tayer added.

Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources
(DGHR) Department, stated, “DGHR is committed to advancing the current remote work system
and introducing tools, policies, and programmes that ensure employee happiness and well-being.
This aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s best city for work and life, driven by
leadership that prioritises holistic human development.”

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b654qor-flexible-working-hours-remote-work-policies-cut