Dubai to Reopen Gov. Offices on Sunday

Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Wednesday that 50% of government employees will work from the office as of Sunday, May 31.

According to the decision approved by Sheikh Hamdan, 100% of government employees will start working from the office two weeks later, as of June 14, while precautionary measures will continue to be enforced strictly in government offices.

He stressed that the decision is part of the Dubai government's comprehensive plan to restore the natural situation in the emirate, while ensuring that all preventive and precautionary measures strictly defined by health authorities are implemented.

"Vital sectors exempt from initial lockdown already follow these measures. Other sectors that have resumed operations as part of the gradual reopening of economic activities are strictly following preventive steps," he said.

The crown prince assured that all precautionary measures will be strictly implemented and closely monitored to ensure safety of employees.

All Dubai Gov. staff to return to offices starting June 14

Al Maktoum said that the decision comes in line with the Dubai government’s approach to protecting the health and safety of employees, including citizens and residents, as well as returning life to normal by reopening the economy.

He added that the government is committed to supporting the economic sectors and those affected by the repercussions of the global crisis.

The move comes as directed by Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Wednesday.

It is noteworthy that the Dubai Finance Department informed, last month, all government agencies to reduce capital spending by at least half and to stop new recruitment until further notice, in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The emirate has been hit hard by the outbreak, as measures to contain the spread of the virus have pushed vital sectors of the economy such as tourism and transportation almost to a halt.

Also, the department had informed all government agencies to suspend all construction projects that did not start until further notice and not to allow any increase in spending for ongoing construction projects.

Analysts said that the economic slowdown in Dubai may wipe out between 5-6% of the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP) and may force it to request a financial rescue similar to that provided by oil-rich Abu Dhabi after the financial crisis in 2009.

An early survey showed that the non-oil private sector in the emirate was hit hard as companies cut jobs to reduce losses, especially in the transportation and tourism sectors.