UAE Government Promotes Remote Work to Ensure Employee Safety During Severe Weather, ETHRWorldEMEA

The UAE government has urged private sector employers to prioritise employee safety by adopting remote work arrangements amid severe weather conditions affecting parts of the country.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) called on companies in the most impacted areas to allow employees to work from home on Friday, December 19, where job roles permit. The advisory comes as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds continue across several emirates, raising concerns around commuting safety and workplace disruptions.

MoHRE also reminded all private sector organisations nationwide to strictly follow occupational health and safety requirements and comply with weather-related directives issued by local authorities in each emirate. The guidance reinforces employers’ responsibility to protect workers from environmental risks that could impact business operations.

The National Centre of Meteorology has issued a yellow alert warning of heavy rain, lightning and possible hail in parts of the UAE. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors and adhere to safety instructions as conditions remain unstable.

Severe weather on Thursday led to flooding in localised areas, fallen trees and property damage across multiple emirates. Many employees either worked remotely or were released early from offices as conditions worsened. Civic authorities also ordered the temporary closure of public parks, beaches and other outdoor venues on Thursday and Friday to reduce safety risks.

The move underscores how remote work has become a key workforce protection measure during extreme weather events in the UAE. Following the 2024 floods, many companies revised workplace policies to allow greater flexibility, recognising remote work as a practical tool to safeguard employees when travel becomes unsafe.