SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s advanced digital infrastructure and connectivity allow organisations across the country to quickly implement flexible working arrangements when needed, offering reassurance to professionals and families alike.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation called on private sector organisations to implement remote working measures wherever possible, and to refrain from stationing workers in open areas.
“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation recommends that private sector establishments in the country take the necessary measures to avoid the presence of workers in open areas, with the exception of vital and essential roles that require physical attendance, and to implement remote working arrangements wherever possible. This measure will apply for a period of three days, from Sunday, March 1, until Tuesday, March 3,” the authority said.
Following the announcement, private sector organisations informed employees of adjusted working arrangements that will take effect when the workweek begins on Monday, March 2. Similar measures were announced by many public sector organisations, including work-from-home requirements and provisions allowing working parents to remain at home with children under the distance learning guidelines that will apply from March 2 to 4.
“Our work requires constant presence on the industrial site to ensure critical operations. As early as Saturday evening itself, in keeping with official safety guidelines, we had received an email from management encouraging us to set up remote work arrangements. We had a roster ready by Sunday to ensure that there would be the presence of critical workers on site while also ensuring that the presence would be minimal,” Ahmed, a worker at a semi-government industrial entity, told Aletihad.
Supported by years of digital transformation initiatives and led by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), organisations across the UAE can transition quickly to remote operations while maintaining service continuity and security for employees and clients.
“The foresight by our organisation, and the use of advanced tech infrastructure, ensures that we are able to monitor a significant amount of work procedures remotely, and this really speaks to the preparedness advocated by the UAE leadership,” Ahmed added.
Fatima, an Emirati mother-of-three, said she would be working from home for a significant proportion of the coming week.
“The UAE truly prioritises safety, and it is clear that our companies here have built the preparedness to ensure flexibility under all circumstances. Over the coming week, these capabilities will enable me to satisfy my professional requirements while also being on hand to support my children with distance learning,” she told Aletihad.
Afrina, an expat worker in Dubai, said she was awaiting instructions from management on how working hours would be organised.
“I dare say the UAE has some of the best network capabilities and digital infrastructure for remote work. It’s really just a matter of coordinating with our teams to organise schedules and ensure that all professional commitments are met,” she said.