Dubai explores remote work, flexible hours to alleviate peak-hour traffic

Dubai is implementing measures to ease traffic and ease mobility by expanding the application of flexible working hours and remote work policies across the emirate.

The authorities have urged both the public and private sectors to adopt the practices to reduce traffic congestion.

Citing two studies, Dubai authorities said that the implementation of flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and remote work – allowing four to five such workdays per month – can reduce morning peak travel time across Dubai by 30 per cent.

“Remote work and flexible working hours are among the traffic demand management policies aimed at achieving balance and integration in the transport system by reducing or redistributing demand across time and place while promoting sustainable transport options,” said Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner general for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being.

Al Tayer said the policies include expanding truck movement restrictions, increasing dedicated lanes for buses and taxis, and providing first- and last-mile options to encourage residents and visitors to use public transport instead of private vehicles.

The first study by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Department covered 644 companies with more than 320,000 employees, while the second surveyed 12,000 employees from the private sector.

Findings from the first survey show that 32 per cent of private companies currently implement remote work policies, with a further 58 per cent of companies expressing readiness to expand remote work.

Similarly, 31 per cent of companies surveyed have implemented flexible work hours, with potential expansion possible for 66 per cent of those not currently applying the policy.

The authorities said that 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. Furthermore, adopting flexible working hours could lead to a 5.7 per cent reduction on Sheikh Zayed Road and a 5 per cent reduction on Al Khail Road.

“Since its adoption within the Dubai Government in 2020, the remote work system has become a core part of the corporate culture in most government entities,” said Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, director general of the DGHR.

The adoption of remote work and flexible hours in both government and private sectors plays a key role in creating a supportive work environment that promotes employee comfort and security, enhancing the quality of life and, in turn, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Read: Dubai plans flexible work hours, school bus incentives to ease traffic congestion