Today's Edition
SAMI ABDULRAOUF (DUBAI)
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) revealed that around 11,600 Emirati citizens are now engaged in flexible employment arrangements within the private sector, representing the first significant integration of citizens into non-traditional job roles. This aligns with the UAE’s labour regulations designed to accommodate the evolving needs of both employers and employees.
The ministry has identified five distinct non-traditional work arrangements that are contributing to a more dynamic business environment. These arrangements not only foster a more adaptable and appealing workplace but also aim to boost productivity and fulfil the ambitions of all stakeholders in the employment equation, safeguarding their rights in the process.
The non-traditional work arrangements include:
Flexible: Changing work hours or days based on the employer’s requirements and the worker’s personal and social circumstances.
Remote: Performing work entirely or partially outside the workplace with electronic communication between the worker and the employer instead of physical presence.
Part-Time: Working for one or more employers for a specified number of hours or days.
Job Sharing: Dividing tasks and responsibilities among multiple workers to perform agreed-upon duties, with wages proportional to their contribution.
Temporary: Performing work that requires a specific period or is task-specific and ends upon completion.
MoHRE data showed that the construction industry is at the forefront of adopting these flexible work arrangements, employing 23.8% of the citizens in such roles. This is closely followed by the wholesale and retail trade sector at 14.8%, and manufacturing at 13.2%. Other sectors include administrative services (11.4%), transportation and storage (7.2%), financial and insurance activities (6.8%), and hospitality services (3.7%).
Additionally, professional, scientific, and technical activities account for 3.3%, healthcare for 1.8%, with the remaining 13.9% spread across other industries.
The ministry underscores that the UAE labour market is structured around six primary work arrangements, with the aforementioned arrangements complementing the conventional full-time employment model.
This diversity in contractual agreements is seen as a strategic move to enhance business ease and labour market flexibility, addressing the workforce’s requirements while maximising their potential and productivity in line with company operational costs. Moreover, these varied contractual options are poised to offer the workforce financial stability through diversified income options.
The MoHRE stressed the importance of these contractual frameworks being governed by stringent legal regulations that protect the rights of all parties involved.
