UAE: Flexible working for private sector, remote learning for schools amid weather warnings

The UAE government has called upon private sector companies to implement flexible working arrangements on Monday, February 12, in anticipation of adverse weather conditions forecasted across the country.

With heavy rain, thunder, and high winds expected on Sunday and Monday, authorities have issued warnings urging the public to exercise caution during potentially hazardous weather conditions.

Flexible working in UAE due to adverse weather

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issued a statement on Sunday, urging employers to prioritize the safety of their employees by allowing flexible working patterns on Monday.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation calls on private sector companies across the UAE to apply flexible working patterns tomorrow, Monday, 12 February, given the expected weather conditions.

“Necessary measures need to be taken by companies to ensure outdoor work,…

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) February 11, 2024

The ministry emphasised the need for companies to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements for outdoor work, if necessary, and to safeguard the health and safety of workers commuting to and from outdoor work locations.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow and orange alerts for large parts of the country until noon on Tuesday, warning the public of the impending severe weather conditions.

أمطار الخير على مناطق متفرقة من الدولة #أمطار_الخير #ناهل #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد ⁧⁧#أصدقاء_المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد⁩ #حالة_الطقس #حالة_جوية ⁧#هواة_الطقس⁩ pic.twitter.com/r5EQWcWJb5

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) February 11, 2024

Remote learning for schools

In response to the weather advisories, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has called on schools and universities to provide distance learning options on Monday to ensure the safety of students, staff, and parents.

With unpredictable weather predicted, we ask all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities to be flexible when considering the needs of parents, staff & students and provide the option of distance learning on Monday, Feb 12. Stay safe everyone. ☂️ pic.twitter.com/gLcHHoO1v0

— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) February 10, 2024

Federal employees

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has instructed government employees to work remotely on Monday, excluding jobs that require on-site attendance.

Under @HamdanMohammed‘s directives, Monday, 12 February, 2024 will be a remote working day for employees of all Dubai government entities, due to weather conditions. This applies to all government employees in #Dubai, except for roles that need on-site presence at the workplace. pic.twitter.com/AyOQ6ITNIb

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 10, 2024

The adverse weather conditions are attributed to a surface low-pressure system extending from the southwest, accompanied by humid south-easterly winds, according to the NCM.

Authorities have advised motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid flooded and mountainous areas during hazardous weather conditions. Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to adhere to variable speed limits displayed on electronic signboards, with reduced speed limits typically imposed during heavy rain and fog to ensure road safety.

Efforts are underway to minimise disruptions to public services and promote safety during the anticipated adverse weather, with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority holding meetings to develop action plans for weather-related contingencies.