UAE Recommends Remote Work for Private Sector Employees for Three Days Amid Regional Tensions

Business

UAE Recommends Remote Work for Private Sector Employees for Three Days Amid Regional Tensions

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has advised private sector companies across the United Arab Emirates to implement remote work arrangements for three days, from Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3, as Iranian missile interceptions continued inside UAE territories for the second consecutive day.

The ministry urged businesses to take necessary precautions to ensure employee safety, particularly by avoiding outdoor work, with the exception of those in vital and essential roles requiring physical presence. “Private sector establishments should take the necessary measures to prevent workers from being in open areas,” the ministry said in a statement.

MoHRE further clarified that decisions regarding the suspension of work will remain under the authority of competent local bodies, depending on regional developments. It also advised private-sector entities to rely exclusively on official updates from federal and local sources.

According to the ministry, this directive aligns with the UAE’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents while maintaining business continuity during exceptional circumstances.

The announcement comes as tensions escalate in the region following missile strikes launched by Iran targeting United States assets across the Gulf, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The Fars News Agency confirmed that the attacks were in retaliation for a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iranian targets.

In the UAE, four people sustained injuries after shrapnel from intercepted drones fell over residential areas, causing minor damage to properties, including Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that since the onset of the Iranian assault, its air and defence forces have intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the country. Of these, 132 missiles were neutralized before impact, with five falling into the sea. Meanwhile, 195 drones were intercepted, and 14 fell within UAE territory and waters, causing only minor damage.

A recent regional survey found that over 74% of professionals in the MENA region prefer jobs allowing remote work — a trend further emphasized by the government’s current safety-driven directive.