Page 103 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

The first survey covered 644 companies with over 320,000 employees, while the second surveyed
12,000 employees from the private sector. Findings show that 32 per cent of private companies
currently implement remote work policies, with a further 58 per cent of companies expressing
readiness to expand remote work. Additionally, 31 per cent of companies have implemented
flexible work hours, with potential expansion possible for 66 per cent of those not currently applying
the policy.

What the results indicate

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 per cent. For example, if
20 per cent of employees work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road could decrease by 9.8 per
cent and on Al Khail Road by 8.4 per cent.

Additionally, flexible working hours alone could reduce traffic volumes by 5.7 per cent on Sheikh
Zayed Road and five per cent on Al Khail Road.
Coordination meeting

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.
5 core elements

Al Tayer 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.”

He added: “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.”

https://gulfnews.com/uae/flexible-work-system-can-cut-morning-peak-travel-time-by-30-in-dubai-
1.104635574