UAE leads Arab world in remote working

DUBAI: Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Teleworking Applications, has said that the UAE, led by its wise leadership, has become an inspiring role model for those governments seeking to move into the future, in terms of policy resiliency and high and proactive readiness in facing challenges.

Al Olama added that this was due to the government’s efforts to translate the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed’s directives for sustainable development, adoption of forward-looking thinking, and innovation that enables the government to enhance its global leadership and serve the community efficiently and effectively, which reflects the reason for the government’s continued successes.

Al Olama made the remarks following the UAE’S ranking first in the Arab world and 31st in the world in the remote working index issued by the Uk-based Circle Loop, surpassing Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, Russia, the US and China, while the country ranked second among best countries for the speed and efficiency of internet connections.

“Over the past year, the world has witnessed great changes brought about by repercussions from the Coronavirus pandemic, which were reflected in all aspects of life,” Al Olama said.

He also emphasised the importance of the ability of governments to quickly adapt to unexpected and urgent changes, noting that the UAE Government was able, through adopting a proactive and deliberate approach, to ensure the continuation of services, while preserving the health and safety of human resources by enabling 95 per cent of workers to work remotely.

Recently, the Department of Government Support - Abu Dhabi has announced reducing atendance at the workplace in Abu Dhabi government and semi-government entities to 30 per cent, to bolster precautionary measures implemented in the emirate and protect the health of employees and their families.

The department also approved remote working for all jobs that could be delivered fully from outside the workplace, employees older than 60 or with chronic diseases and weak immunity, and people of determination.

The Department of Human Resources in Sharjah has also announced in a circular the activation of the remote working system.

The department said that the remote work system for employees is effective from Sunday, Feb.14, 2021.

The exceptional situation made the government concerned about the safety of employees.