The UAE has just taken flexible working to the next level! In a bold move, the UAE government has rolled out a remote work system that allows public sector employees to work from outside the country. Yes, you read that right—government workers can now trade their office desks for a beach in Bali or a café in Paris while still getting the job done.
UAE Introduces Remote Work Abroad For Government Employees!
In social affairs, we adopted decisions enhancing the social support and empowerment system. New regulations define support criteria and benefits. Annual social program funding rose 29% to AED 3.5B, beneficiaries increased 37%, and 3,200 recipients joined the workforce, shifting…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 10, 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the initiative, making it clear that the UAE is embracing the future of work. The goal? Attract top global talent to take on key government projects, research, and specialised tasks—without geographical limitations.
What This Means For Public Sector Employees
وفي الشؤون الحكومية، اعتمدنا اليوم في مجلس الوزراء نظام العمل عن بعد من خارج الدولة في الحكومة الاتحادية.. والذي يهدف إلى الاستفادة من الكفاءات والخبرات العالمية المتواجدة خارج الدولة في تنفيذ المشاريع أو الدراسات أو المهام التخصصية لدى الجهات الاتحادية.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 10, 2025
The new system allows federal entities to function remotely, ensuring that work gets done efficiently, no matter where employees are. This means government professionals can contribute their expertise while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere in the world. It’s a major shift towards modern work models and a step towards boosting the UAE’s global competitiveness. The announcement followed a cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where several key policies were approved. Alongside the remote work initiative, the UAE government gave the green light to a six-year national investment strategy, strategic global partnerships, and policies in health and social affairs.
UAE’s Growing Embrace Of Remote Work
This isn’t the first time the UAE has championed flexible work. A government white paper published earlier this year outlined the benefits of remote work for both public and private sectors. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, backed the idea, calling it a compelling case for the future of work.
The paper also looked at successful remote work models in countries like the USA, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Taiwan, and Turkey. Clearly, the UAE is taking notes and setting its precedent in the region.
The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s recent decision to allow select companies to officially hire remote employees starting April 1. With the Registration Authority (RA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) introducing fresh employment laws, private sector companies are also jumping on the remote work bandwagon.
Also Read: Dubai Employees Push For Remote Work To Cut Traffic And Save Costs Amid Rising Salik Parking Fees
A New Era of Work Begins
The UAE’s decision to enable remote work abroad for government employees marks a huge milestone. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to talent acquisition and workplace flexibility. So, if you’re in the public sector, you might soon be dialling into meetings from a whole new timezone. Who said government jobs had to be boring?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: March 13, 2025 1:25 PM