The United Arab Emirates has launched a new remote work system that allows government employees to work from outside the country. The initiative, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to attract international talent and improve efficiency in major projects, research, and specialized tasks.
The decision was made during a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where several other policies were also approved. These included a national investment strategy for the next six years, new international partnerships, and updates on health and social affairs.
This move is part of the UAE government’s gradual shift towards more flexible working systems. A government white paper published in January highlighted the benefits of remote work for both the public and private sectors. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, introduced the paper, emphasizing the need for proactive policies to support remote work.
The report looked at successful examples from countries like the USA, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Taiwan, and Turkey, where remote work policies have been effectively implemented.
Additionally, a study conducted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department in late 2024 showed that flexible work hours and remote work could significantly reduce traffic congestion. The findings suggest that daily commuting is a major cause of heavy traffic in Dubai, and encouraging remote work could ease the burden on the city’s roads.
With this new policy, the UAE government continues to explore ways to modernize work culture, enhance productivity, and improve work-life balance for employees.
