The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advocating for the adoption of flexible work options to enhance productivity across various economic sectors. During the Remote Forum event in Dubai, Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI, and Remote Working Systems, emphasized that the country’s technological advancements have provided robust infrastructure to support workers in the digital era. He added that the UAE aims to leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence and automation, which would improve the country’s economy and workforce’s capacity-building process.
The UAE is determined to turn challenges into opportunities by using technologies to create a sustainable and diverse world. Mr Al Olama stated that remote work has become the primary way of work and not just an option. He urged the UAE to transition from viewing remote work methods as a trend to using them as a quality and competitive advantage that improves the quality of life of residents and visitors to the UAE.
According to UK research company YouGov, almost 46% of workers in the UAE work remotely. The Covid-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the prominence of remote work, with companies having to adapt to keep their operations afloat and provide services to consumers. Technology played a crucial role in promoting remote work, with companies offering digital services to support the increasing demand for remote work.
The UAE has introduced several initiatives to support the remote work sector, such as the one-year digital nomad visa, which allows people to live in the UAE while working for their employers in their home countries. The rise of remote work provides an opportunity for countries to develop policies and programs that attract workers who can further support local economic growth and innovation, according to Airbnb’s September report.
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