Page 74 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

11/13/24, 9:24 AM Flexible working should no longer be 'optional extra' for companies in Dubai, experts say | The National
Flexible working should no longer be 'optional extra' for companies in Dubai, experts say

Dubai Government describes hybrid and remote working as a basic need

Patrick Ryan
Deepthi Nair
November 12, 2024

Employers need to realise that offering remote and flexible working conditions is essential

rather than simply an added bonus, business leaders have warned.

Their comments come after Dubai Government released a statement saying the adoption of

remote and flexible working conditions was vital for public and private sectors. The

adoption of remote work and flexible hours by the government and private sectors was

described by the emirate's media office as "a necessity and a basic need".

Those focusing solely on in-office The National spoke to experts who echoed that
work and non-flexible working time
will not get access to the same pool of talent sentiment, saying remote working could no
Mareva Koulamallah, Marevak Consulting
longer be treated simply as a preference and that

firms that fail to adopt it risk being left behind.

"In the long-run, those focusing solely on in-office work and non-flexible working time

will not get access to the same pool of talent," said Mareva Koulamallah, founder and

chief executive of Marevak Consulting. "I have been working remotely for almost seven
years, and I would not look back and do anything different; this has allowed me to create

so much more for myself and the people around me.

"It's about trusting the people you work with and giving them the tools to be more

efficient, while feeling fulfilled. Micro-managing and monitoring someone's entire life has

never worked, especially in the long run."

Added benefits

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/11/12/dubai-flexible-working-hours/ 1/7