Page 106 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

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 expressing readiness to adopt them.
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.

The surveys were announced in May as Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
approved a traffic flow plan.

Offices in Dubai had developed the digital infrastructure to activate remote work for employees
amid Covid-19. Employers retained the option for emergencies, with private and government sector
offices going online amid unprecedented rains and flooding in April.

Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, director-general of the DGHR Department, said remote work system
has become a "core part" of the corporate culture in most government entities.

Some companies allow employees several days per year to choose remote work. "Additionally,
some government bodies provide flexibility in starting work between 6.30am and 8.30am, allowing
employees to distribute their commutes during morning and evening peak hours, thus facilitating
smoother arrivals and departures to and from the workplace," he said.

"Statistics reveal that 80 per cent of these entities offer employees the option to work remotely two
days a week. Additionally, 87 per cent of Dubai Government employees feel that flexible working
hours align with their personal needs, while 89.4 per cent agree that these hours enhance their
productivity. The survey also shows that 80.4 per cent believe their productivity while working
remotely matches that in the office, with 90 per cent reporting no issues with communication or
connectivity with colleagues or managers.”

Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner-general for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being, said
remote work and flexible hours are among Dubai's traffic demand management policies.
"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://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/dubai-urges-companies-to-expand-flexible-working-
hours-remote-work-to-ease-traffic