Government employees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to have the option to work remotely


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Government employees who have children enrolled in distance learning will be offered the option to work remotely.

Abu Dhabi media office said the decision was made to enable parents to support their children’s educational journey during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Employees must provide a letter from the school confirming that their children are enrolled in distance learning for the first school semester to be able to work remotely.

The office said that all previous remote working guidelines will remain in place.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Friday added that female government employees who have disabled children or pupils in Grade 6 and below will be allowed to work from home.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has also issued directives on Thursday allowing Dubai government female employees with children undertaking distance learning to work from home.

"Today, we directed the implementation of a work from home Policy for Government of Dubai female employees with children undertaking distance learning," said Sheikh Hamad in a tweet.

"The new model starts next week to coincide with the new school year."

The decision will also take into consideration fathers working in the Government of Dubai.

"Fathers working in the Government of Dubai who do not have carers to oversee their children’s distance learning will also be allowed to work from home, enabling them to supervise their children during the school day," said Sheikh Hamdan.

The policy will be effective from next week coinciding with the new school year, under certain conditions.

Mothers of children in Grade 9 and below, including kindergarten, will be eligible to work from home.

Female employees will be allowed to work from home provided their job can be done remotely and does not impact the operations of the government entity they are employed in.

They will also be allowed to work from home based on an approved school schedule and only on the days the children are attending classes remotely.

Abdullah Al Falasi, director-general of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, DGHR, said that the directives of Sheikh Hamdan reflect the Government of Dubai’s approach of taking into consideration the social circumstances of employees.

“It also reflects His Highness’s keenness to ensure family stability and a happy and balanced life for Dubai Government employees,” said Mr Al Falasi.

Female employees working with the government of Sharjah who have children in Grade 9 and below will get a one-week leave during the first week of school and will be allowed to work remotely afterwards.

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah directed the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources to grant female employees who have children in Grade 9 and below a one-week leave as of next week.

Sheikh Sultan also ordered the implementation of the remote work system, from the following week.

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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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