Dubai Proposes Remote Work Plan to Cut Traffic
Dubai is taking bold steps to tackle traffic congestion by encouraging remote work and flexible hours across the emirate. The initiative, supported by both public and private sectors, aims to ease morning commute congestion, allowing employees more flexibility in their work schedules.
Read More: Dubai: RTA to Ease Traffic on Hessa Street
Flexible Hours and Remote Work Policies Reduce Peak Travel by 30%
Studies show that these policies could bring significant traffic relief. With a two-hour flexible start time and up to five remote workdays per month, authorities estimate a 30% reduction in morning peak traffic across Dubai. Even a modest 20% adoption of remote work could cut traffic on major roads, like Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail, by nearly 10%.
"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," authorities stated.
Dubai Survey Findings Highlight Readiness for Flexible Work
Two recent surveys by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) reveal a promising outlook. Out of 644 companies surveyed, representing over 320,000 employees, 32% already offer remote work. Another 58% indicated a readiness to adopt similar policies. Additionally, flexible working hours are currently in place for 31% of companies, with 66% open to adopting them in the future.
These results follow a May announcement by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who approved Dubai's comprehensive traffic flow plan to support these initiatives.
Embracing Remote Work: Dubai’s Post-COVID Digital Infrastructure
Dubai's push for digital infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped employers quickly shift to remote work when needed. Both private and government sectors recently activated remote work amid heavy rains and flooding in April, underscoring Dubai's flexibility to respond to unique circumstances.
According to Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, director-general of the DGHR, remote work has become an integral part of the corporate culture for government offices. Some companies even allow several remote workdays per year, with government bodies offering flexibility to begin work between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., spreading out commutes during peak hours.
High Satisfaction and Productivity Among Government Employees
The survey also highlights strong employee support, with 87% of Dubai Government employees saying flexible hours meet their personal needs, and 89% affirming that these hours boost productivity. Moreover, 80% believe that their productivity remains consistent, whether working remotely or in-office, and 90% report no connectivity or communication issues with colleagues.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Easing Traffic
Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner-general for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being, emphasized that remote work and flexible hours are just part of Dubai's broader traffic management plan. Other policies include limiting truck movements during peak hours, expanding dedicated lanes for public transport, and promoting carpooling among residents.
Dubai’s approach to remote work and flexible hours demonstrates the city’s commitment to improving quality of life, making commutes smoother, and advancing work-life balance for employees across the emirate.