Flexible Hours and Remote Work Slash Dubai Morning Peak Travel by 30%

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai is taking substantial steps to enhance traffic flow and improve the quality of life for residents by expanding flexible work policies. This initiative follows the approval of Dubai’s Traffic Flow Plan by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council. The plan's goal is to optimize traffic management, promote smooth mobility, and improve the work-life balance for the people of Dubai.

Aiming to foster productivity and reduce congestion, the plan encourages both public and private sectors to adopt flexible working hours and remote work arrangements. By implementing these measures, Dubai seeks to align with global best practices in urban management, making the emirate a leading example in both economic growth and quality of life.

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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Department have collaborated to conduct surveys on the current use of remote work and flexible hours across various industries. One survey, encompassing 644 companies and over 320,000 employees, revealed that 32% of companies currently offer remote work options, with 58% indicating a willingness to expand these options further. Additionally, 31% of companies have flexible working hours in place, with a potential expansion anticipated for 66% of those not currently utilizing this option.

The study highlighted the potential traffic impact of remote work and flexible hours. By allowing a flexible two-hour start window and implementing remote work policies that enable employees to work from home four to five days per month, Dubai could reduce morning peak travel times by up to 30%. For instance, if 20% of employees were to work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road would drop by 9.8% and on Al Khail Road by 8.4%. Flexible hours alone could further ease congestion, potentially reducing traffic by 5.7% on Sheikh Zayed Road and by 5% on Al Khail Road.

To further these goals, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, met with His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the DGHR Department. The two discussed encouraging private sector companies to integrate flexible work policies and remote work options to reduce traffic density, improve quality of life, and enhance community happiness. Aligned with the vision of Dubai’s leadership, these initiatives aim to establish the city as a top destination for both residents and visitors.

Al Tayer explained that Dubai’s transport strategy is built on five core pillars: expanding road infrastructure, improving public transit routes, managing traffic demand, enhancing traffic control systems, and integrating these efforts at all levels. This multi-faceted approach is designed to address the transportation needs stemming from the city’s rapid economic and urban growth.

“Remote work and flexible hours are essential components of our traffic demand management strategy, designed to redistribute traffic throughout the day and encourage sustainable transport options. Along with dedicated lanes for buses and taxis, first and last-mile options, and carpooling initiatives, these policies are helping us reduce dependency on private vehicles and encourage greater use of public transportation,” stated Al Tayer.

Director General Al Falasi of DGHR echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that DGHR is focused on evolving Dubai’s remote work system to align with the city’s ambition to become the world’s best place for both work and life. He shared that 80% of government entities offer employees the option to work remotely two days a week. Furthermore, 87% of Dubai Government employees feel flexible hours meet their personal needs, while 89.4% report enhanced productivity. A striking 80.4% stated that their productivity while working remotely is equal to or greater than their productivity in the office.

These findings highlight Dubai’s adaptability to evolving workplace dynamics and its commitment to providing a world-class work environment. The flexibility offered by government and private sector companies supports traffic management goals, as well as the well-being of employees, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for talent and innovation.

The DGHR Department praised government entities implementing these policies, noting some offer employees several remote workdays annually. Others allow flexibility in start times, enabling workers to begin their day between 6:30 am and 8:30 am, which helps spread out commute times and reduce peak-hour congestion.

By embracing these changes, Dubai aims to improve the quality of life for residents, boost community well-being, and continue its journey toward becoming one of the world’s most livable cities. Through collaboration between public and private sectors, Dubai is building a future-ready work environment that promotes productivity, happiness, and a seamless lifestyle for its residents and workforce.

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