Page 82 - DGHR PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2024

11/13/24, 9:24 AM Flexible work hours, remote policies reduce morning peak travel times by 30 percent in Dubai
The study revealed that introducing flexible working hours—offering a two-hour window for
starting work—and enabling remote work, allowing for four to five remote workdays each month
for employees in both sectors, could decrease morning peak travel times across Dubai by 30
percent. For instance, if 20 percent of employees choose to work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed
Road could drop by 9.8 percent, and by 8.4 percent on Al Khail Road. Furthermore, just the
implementation of flexible working hours could lead to a 5.7 percent reduction in traffic volumes on
Sheikh Zayed Road and a 5 percent decrease on Al Khail Road.
Focus on study outcomes
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner general for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and
Well-Being Pillar, convened a coordination meeting with His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al
Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR). The
meeting focused on reviewing the study outcomes, which aim to motivate the private sector to adopt
flexible working hours and remote work practices. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s leadership
vision to become the world’s premier city for living, enhancing community well-being, happiness,
and reducing traffic density. Achieving this objective involves ensuring smooth traffic flow and
enabling residents and visitors to access their destinations safely and effortlessly.
Five core elements of the strategy
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer emphasized that transportation policies are integral to Dubai’s
comprehensive roads and transport planning, which adheres to global best practices in advanced
urban centers. He stated that the RTA employs a holistic and integrated strategy to meet the mobility
and transport demands arising from Dubai’s urban and economic expansion. This approach is built
upon five fundamental elements: developing and extending road networks and facilities; enhancing
public transportation routes, infrastructure, services, shared mobility, and first and last-mile
solutions; implementing policies to reduce or redistribute traffic demand across various roads and
transport modes; advancing traffic control systems and centers; and ensuring the seamless
integration of these components at all levels.

Goals of remote work policies
The RTA executes these five elements in a balanced fashion, prioritizing and scheduling
implementation based on traffic demands and congestion levels along key traffic corridors. Remote
work and flexible working hours are vital traffic demand management strategies designed to
promote balance and integration within the transport system by reducing or redistributing demand
across time and space while encouraging sustainable transport options. These strategies also
encompass the expansion of truck movement restrictions, the addition of dedicated lanes for buses
and taxis, and the provision of first and last-mile options to motivate residents and visitors to utilize
public transport instead of private vehicles. Moreover, they facilitate public transport access for
employees and promote carpooling, Al Tayer added.
Read more: UAE empowers remote workers with cryptocurrency withdrawals, Deel finds
Commitment to employee well-being
His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi remarked that the DGHR is dedicated to enhancing
the existing remote work framework and introducing tools, policies, and programs that prioritize
employee happiness and well-being. This commitment aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming the
world’s leading city for both work and life, driven by leadership that emphasizes holistic human
development.
Collaboration for innovation
The survey results provide valuable insights into Dubai’s innovative and flexible model as a leading
hub for talent and expertise, reinforcing the emirate’s ongoing efforts to create a world-class work

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