How UAE's new remote work system can attract global talent pool

The UAE government’s decision to allow remote work systems for government entities outside the country will open up access to global talent without additional costs, according to HR experts.

UAE's private sector companies—especially in the IT sector—have already been adopting a remote work approach to reduce costs, stay competitive and hire the best talent from worldwide.

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The remote work system for government entities aims to leverage talent and expertise from outside the country to execute special tasks, complete projects, and conduct studies relevant to government operations. 

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“Remote work opens up access to global talent without the additional costs of office space or by completely moving someone to the region. By leveraging international expertise on a project basis, government entities can cut operational costs while still securing the best talent for projects or more niche requirements,” said Nicki Wilson, managing director of Genie.

She added that this has been happening in the private sector for years, especially within technology, consulting, and project-based roles.

Pedro Lacerda, senior vice-president of TASC Group, said this decision marks a significant step in enhancing the UAE’s access to global expertise and also paves the way for highly skilled professionals with diverse international experience to contribute to government projects.

“By leveraging global talent, entities can gain fresh perspectives, specialised knowledge, and innovative solutions that boost efficiency and drive long-term value. Although cost-saving may be a secondary benefit, the main objective is to strengthen operations and foster global collaboration, ensuring superior project outcomes," he explained.

Importantly, remote work policies reduce the reliance on physical infrastructure. In the UAE, remote work has already proven to have a positive impact on productivity and employee motivation.

Real shift from tradition

As a leader in adopting flexible work models, Lacerda said the UAE has implemented remote work policies for federal employees since 2017.

“For the first time, these policies now extend to engaging talent from outside the country, marking a significant milestone,” he added.

Nicki Wilson said the UAE government's hiring has traditionally been more structured and location-bound so this decision signals a real shift.

“While international consultants have always been involved in government projects, introducing a remote work model at this level is a big step. How they manage this internally will be very interesting as with a lot of confidential matters and sensitive information this is usually the reason everything has to be done in-house or in-office,” she explained.

She pointed out that from startups to multinational corporations, businesses are hiring talent remotely to scale efficiently and reduce overheads.

Waheed Abbas

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

Waheed Abbas is Assistant Editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business stories that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He frequently reports human interest stories, too.