The United Arab Emirates has approved a remote work system for federal (government) entities, allowing them to hire talent from anywhere in the world.
The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, via his official X account, following a cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi.
“In government affairs, we approved a remote work system for federal entities from outside UAE,” Sheikh Mohammed stated. “This aims to leverage global expertise for projects, studies, and specialized tasks, enhancing federal efficiency.“
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
This is a strategic move that provides opportunities for remote workers across the globe. One could be living in a country in Africa, such as Kenya or anywhere else, and contributing your skill set to the UAE government. This initiative breaks down geographical barriers, allowing the UAE to tap into a wider pool of talent and expertise.
Related: The Dubai Digital Nomad Visa – How To Apply For The Dubai Remote Visa
There are several key advantages for the UAE government. By hiring remotely, the UAE government can easily access highly specialized skills and expertise for complex government projects.
This also allows for significant savings on office space and related overheads. Utilizing global talent efficiently enhances the government’s ability to deliver high-quality services and innovative solutions.
Related: Dubai’s Crowded Market: Expat Salaries Stagnate as Competition Heats Up
This decision is a big step forward for the global remote work movement. It signifies a forward-thinking approach to governance, recognizing the value of remote talent and the evolving nature of work
Beyond remote work, the cabinet meeting also saw the approval of the National Investment Strategy for the next six years. This strategy aims to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The goal is to increase annual FDI inflows from AED 112 billion in 2023 to AED 240 billion by 2031, and to grow FDI stock from AED 800 billion to AED 2.2 trillion.
They will focus on key sectors like industry, logistics, finance, renewable energy, and IT. This comes after Dubai was ranked as the top destination for Greenfield FDI, maintaining the top spot for four consecutive years, highlighting the nation’s attractiveness to international investors.
Related: Dubai Retains Global Lead in Greenfield FDI – Fueling Expats and Entrepreneurs
