Flexible working hours can cut Dubai peak-hour traffic by 30%, new surveys show

Two surveys conducted by Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai government aim to shape transport needs

The surveys looked at the impact of flexible and remote working on morning traffic. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Flexible hours and remote-working policies could ease congestion on Dubai roads by cutting peak-hour traffic by 30 per cent, two new surveys have shown.

The surveys, conducted by the Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department explored how flexible working hours, with a two-hour start window, and four to five days of remote working a month across the private and public sectors impact traffic.

According to the findings, the morning traffic eased by 30 per cent.

"For example, if 20 per cent of employees work remotely, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road could decrease by 9.8 per cent and on Al Khail Road by 8.4 per cent. Additionally, 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," a statement from the government said.

The first survey covered 644 companies with a total of more than 320,000 employees, while the second surveyed 12,000 employees from the private sector. It showed that 32 per cent of private companies implement remote work policies, with a further 58 per cent of companies expressing readiness to expand remote work. Additionally, 31 per cent of companies have introduced flexible working hours, with potential expansion possible for 66 per cent of those not currently applying the policy.

In May, authorities announced they would survey residents as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, approved Dubai's Traffic Flow Plan. It is part of an effort to balance business productivity and quality of life, with public and private sectors encouraged to expand flexible working hours and remote work policies to reduce traffic congestion.

“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 Abdullah Al Falasi, director general of DGHR.

He said that, since the remote work policy was introduced in 2020, "it has become a core part of the corporate culture in most government entities", with "80 per cent of these entities offering employees the option to work remotely two days a week".

According to the survey, 87 per cent of Dubai government employees felt flexible hours aligned with their personal needs, while 89.4 per cent agreed it enhanced productivity. It also showed that 80.4 per cent believed their productivity while working remotely matches that in the office, with 90 per cent reporting no issues with communication or connectivity with colleagues or managers.

Additionally, some government bodies provide flexibility in starting work between 6.30am and 8.30am, allowing employees to distribute their commutes during morning and evening peak hours and facilitating smoother arrivals and departures to and from the workplace. Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner general for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, said remote or flexible work patterns promote "sustainable transport options".