It can reduce peak hour traffic by 30 per cent… 

Dubai is encouraging both public and private sectors to implement flexible hours and remote work, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve work-life balance.

Following the approval of Dubai’s Traffic Flow Plan by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, studies by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) show that implementing four to five remote workdays per month, along with flexible hours, could reduce peak travel time across Dubai by up to 30 percent.

For example, if just 20 per cent of the city’s employees worked remotely, traffic on major roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road would decrease by almost 10 per cent. Flexible working hours alone could reduce traffic volumes by 5.7 per cent on Sheikh Zayed Road and 5 per cent on Al Khail Road.

Currently, 32 percent of private companies in Dubai have adopted remote working policies, and 31 percent have flexible working hours. “The survey results offer insights into Dubai’s pioneering, innovative, and flexible model as a leading hub for talent and expertise, reinforcing the emirate’s continuous efforts to provide a world-class work environment characterised by flexibility and efficiency,” said Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the DGHR Department.

Since 2020, remote work has been embraced across most Dubai government entities. “Statistics reveal that 80 percent of these entities offer employees the option to work remotely two days a week, and 87 percent of Dubai Government employees feel that flexible working hours align with their personal needs, while 89.4 percent agree that these hours enhance their productivity,” added Al Falasi.

The plan encourages more companies to follow suit, helping Dubai’s goal to improve quality of life and boost productivity by making commuting smoother for everyone.

“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,” added H.E Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

Images: wam