The Department of Human Resources at the Ajman Government has announced a remote work policy for all local government employees on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan.

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According to a circular issued by the department, the official working hours during Ramadan, from Monday to Thursday, will be from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays.

Ajman Government entities have been granted the flexibility to implement the remote work policy in line with its regulations, provided they ensure business continuity and uninterrupted service delivery, a WAM report said.

The working hours of departments operating on a shift basis will be determined based on operational needs, with staff required to serve a maximum shift duration of five and a half hours per day.

This initiative, directed by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, aligns with the UAE’s “Year of Community” efforts.

This flexible work system ensures that employees complete the work hours required of them while maintaining adequate staffing in customer-facing units.

In the heart of Sharjah, the pioneering Hayyan villa community is reshaping the emirate’s real estate landscape, offering a perfect balance of sustainability, modernity, and nature.

Developed by Alef Group, Sharjah’s leading real estate developer, Hayyan is designed to bring the emirate’s vision for a greener, healthier future to life, with features including the largest swimmable lagoon in Sharjah, expansive green spaces, and a strong commitment to environmental preservation.

“At Alef Group, our mission is to create eco-friendly communities that reflect Sharjah’s forward-looking focus on sustainability,” says Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group. “Hayyan exemplifies our belief that modern living and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously.”

Green initiatives and allotments

Central to the design of Hayyan is the goal of preserving and enhancing the natural environment. Over 22,000 trees are being planted throughout the community, contributing to Sharjah’s ecological balance and providing a rich, green atmosphere for residents. An additional 20,000 square feet are dedicated to organic, edible crops, further promoting a sense of community engagement. Residents will have the opportunity to actively participate in organic farming, cultivating fresh produce right in their neighbourhood.

“Investing in large-scale green initiatives is at the heart of our long-term vision,” adds Ataya. “By integrating organic farming and widespread tree-planting, we aim to enrich the lives of our residents and support Sharjah’s aspiration for a truly green environment.”

Largest swimmable lagoon in Sharjah

A standout feature of Hayyan is the 55,000-square-foot lagoon, which will be the largest swimmable body of water in Sharjah. Designed to create a resort-like ambience, the lagoon offers residents a serene oasis for relaxation, swimming, and social activities along its pristine shores.

Sustainability remains a priority with advanced water-treatment systems and biophilic design principles employed to maintain clear water and reduce the environmental footprint.

Integrated lifestyle destination

Beyond the lagoon, Hayyan is packed with a diverse array of recreational and wellness-focused amenities. A sprawling 1,000,000-square-foot community park is home to sports facilities, including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.

Additionally, running and cycling tracks wind through the lush landscape, offering opportunities for an active lifestyle. A modern clubhouse serves as the social hub of the community, complete with a gym, cafés, and restaurants offering stunning views of the lagoon.

The combination of these features provides a holistic environment where residents can nurture physical health, engage socially, and enjoy diverse entertainment — all within a single cohesive neighbourhood.

“Our vision is to create a space where families can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally,” explained Ataya. “By offering sports facilities, green parks, and community gathering spots, Hayyan delivers an all-encompassing lifestyle reflective of Sharjah’s values.”

Smart villas and energy efficiency

The residential portfolio of Hayyan consists of 1,882 villa units across four zones — Arim, Alma, Samr, and the soon-to-be-announced Deem. All villas are designed with sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront.

Featuring modern smart technologies, optimised insulation, abundant natural lighting, and efficient cooling systems, the villas cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly homes. Integrating these sustainable innovations ensures Hayyan’s homes meet the needs of the environmentally conscious consumer while providing contemporary comfort.

Delivering on Sharjah’s vision

The first phases of the Hayyan development are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. This Dhs3.5bn project aligns with the environmental vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. By focusing on biodiversity, responsible water management, and community-driven design, Hayyan embodies Sharjah’s ambitions for sustainable urban growth.

“Hayyan is more than just a real estate venture — it’s a reflection of our dedication to preserving Sharjah’s natural heritage while meeting modern lifestyle needs,” concluded Ataya. “We take pride in contributing to a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”

RTA has come up with two fabulous offerings for people using public transport in Dubai.

Individuals can now use RTA’s QR code payment system to pay for their taxi fare smoothly and securely with just one scan, simplifying the process and ensuring service efficiency.

Additionally, the authority has also rolled out free Wi-Fi at 17 public bus stations and 12 marine transport stations as part of an initiative to enhance the commuter experience. This service enables public transport users to stay connected via their smartphones, tablets, and laptops while commuting to their respective destinations.

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The initiative of providing free Wi-Fi to commuters on public transport is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation across all its services, catering to diverse segments of society in line with the UAE’s vision.

It also reflects RTA’s commitment to enhancing the daily commuting experience—making journeys on buses and marine transport more enjoyable and rewarding—while contributing to Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest and happiest city.

“We have installed Wi-Fi devices across 29 bus and marine transport stations so far, and efforts are progressing swiftly to extend the service to all 43 RTA stations—comprising 21 bus stations and 22 marine transport stations. The remaining installations are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025,” Khaled AbdulRahman Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said.

“The Wi-Fi service will undergo continuous evaluation to facilitate its expansion and enhancement in collaboration with e&, ensuring the highest quality connectivity for passengers using buses and marine transport across the emirate,” Al Awadhi further added.

The collaboration between IRTH Group and Rove Hotels has played a key role in reshaping Dubai’s branded residential sector.

Founded by the Alshamsi family, IRTH Group is a real estate investment platform focused on value creation, innovation, and modern living experiences. The name “IRTH,” meaning ‘past, present, and future’ in Arabic, reflects the company’s long-term commitment to quality and innovation in real estate.

Known for its presence in the long-stay hotel segment, Rove Hotels has expanded into the branded residence space with Rove Home.

With a shared commitment to providing accessible urban living solutions, the partnership has launched more than 1,800 residential units in the past 18 months, amounting to a development value exceeding Dhs3bn.

Highlights include the flagship Rove Home Downtown Dubai. The project launched in September 2023 and was sold out within two weeks. This was followed by Rove Home Marasi Drive in Business Bay, and more recently, Rove Home Dubai Marina, which was recognised as the “Best New Lifestyle Project of the Year 2024” by Gulf Business.

Rove Home residences: Community at its core

Rove Home residences are crafted to appeal to young professionals, couples, and small families seeking a balanced lifestyle in central locations. These properties incorporate smart design, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, owners benefit from access to services and perks across all Rove Home properties and Rove Hotels, enhancing the overall living experience.

Paul Bridger, COO of Rove Hotels, highlighted the motivation behind the Rove Home concept: “Rove Home was born from a desire to redefine the branded residences space, making them accessible to a wider audience and infusing Rove’s modern and dynamic ethos into a segment traditionally dominated by luxury brands.

“Future residents can expect not only well-designed, unique properties in prime locations but also the benefit of being part of the larger Rove community, which extends across all Rove properties.”

Osman Celiker, CEO of IRTH Group, emphasised the vision behind the developments: “At IRTH, our vision is rooted in the future, creating lifestyle destinations for next-generation living. Rove Home developments are changing the way real estate is experienced.

“With innovative design, functional efficiency, smart features, vibrant communities, and modern conveniences, our projects cater to a new generation of dynamic homeowners and smart investors.”

Expanding the Rove Home concept

The Rove Home concept is set for significant growth, with plans to introduce 3,000 new residences over the next five years. Designed for professionals and investors, these residences offer prime locations, integrated amenities, and superior connectivity, addressing the demand for practical yet well-designed living spaces.

In a market often focused on ultra-luxury developments, Rove Home provides a distinctive alternative that balances quality and affordability.

The “Trump Tariffs” have returned, ushering in a new era of trade protection and uncertainty. This follows the ‘America First Trade Policy‘ issued on January 20 by the US government.

The policy outlines plans for reviews of US trade policies, de minimis thresholds, anti-dumping duties and export controls. Recently, country and sector-wide tariffs were announced, disrupting global trade and leading to increased costs for Middle Eastern (ME) businesses trading with the US.

The ME region has long maintained strong trade ties with the US, with key exports including mineral oils, aluminium, chemicals and industrial goods.

Total export volumes from the region amounted to approximately $76.24bn in 2024.1

The impact of Trump’s tariffs on the region

The US is a top trading partner for most ME countries, with approximately 59 per cent of exports originating from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE. As higher tariffs and stricter trade regulations loom, businesses in the region must brace for uncertainty.

Recent tariff announcements have sparked concern for global trade with sudden announcements of 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico (which were paused for 30 days) and a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods.

While these measures are primarily aimed at North America and China, they could indirectly impact Middle Eastern businesses by disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for industries reliant on US-bound exports.

The US has recently announced sector-specific tariffs on steel and aluminium imports — 25 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, effective March 12.

These tariffs apply universally to all imports, regardless of origin. The ME region exported $5.6 bn in metals to the US in 2024, though these numbers are much smaller compared to imports from China and Mexico.

This is unlikely to have significant implications, as the tariffs apply to all exporters equally. However, this could create opportunities for ME exporters who may redirect metal supplies to other target markets.

What we could see ahead

Does this mean that ME businesses are safe from sudden tariff increases? No. Other key sectors targeted by the Trump Administration for potential future tariff increases due to the US’s push to boost domestic production. This includes automobiles, consumer goods, materials and industrial goods. For example, $1.9bn of vehicles and transport equipment was exported from the ME region to the US alone, more than half from Turkey.

Additionally, the petrochemical and energy sectors could see reduced demand for the region’s oil and gas as the US expands its domestic energy output and increased competition due to additional reserves available in global markets.

Aside from potential tariff increases, the America First Trade Policy calls for a wider review of US trade relations. From trade agreements to export controls, a complete review will be carried out with recommendations to be delivered in a comprehensive report by April 1.

We will likely see more medium to long-term trade policy changes introduced by the Trump Administration after that date. New protectionist measures could create obstacles, making it harder for key ME exports consumer products and industrial goods to compete in the US market.

The US has trade agreements with Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan. Under the America First Trade Policy, these agreements will be reviewed to ensure they align with US national interests.

While the impact of these agreements remains unclear, renegotiations, adjustments, or exclusions for goods in priority sectors may be possible.

As many ME supply chains are closely tied to global markets, products from China or containing Chinese components are at increasing risk of facing higher tariffs or anti-dumping duties when entering the US. This reflects broader US efforts to address perceived unfair trade practices and reduce dependence on strategic competitors.

Such measures could disrupt trade flows, raise costs, and compel ME businesses to reconsider supply chain strategies to minimise exposure to these risks.

Given the previous Trump presidency and recent media coverage, US tariffs could shift quickly, potentially having a significant impact. Changes to trade agreements may take longer due to the need for reviews and renegotiations unless the US decides to pull out of an agreement entirely.

For ME businesses trading with the US, it is crucial to prepare now for potential shifts in trade policies.

Conducting a detailed review of supply chains, implementing risk management strategies, exploring opportunities for duty mitigation, strengthening customs governance, and leveraging data are essential steps to mitigate the impact of these changes.

The writer is the assistant director – Customs & International Trade, Alvarez & Marsal, Middle East.