Dubai mulls work-from-home options, custom office timings as part of new family scheme
Flexible working hours for precious family time and work-life balance flexible schedules are among the many possibilities under discussion as part of a family programme launched in Dubai this month.
‘Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme’ is looking into other flexi-time options according to family demands, a senior official said.
New mothers with 10 days paid marriage leave and Friday remote work have already been implemented for the Dubai government workers in the sector of Community Regulation and Services, Huraiz Almur, CEO- Community Regulation and Services section, Community Development Authority (CDA) said.
Asked about how they can avail of them, he said: "Employees can take up the 10-day paid marriage leave from their HR office according to usual leave application process. Friday remote work is a free service offered directly to postpartum women by their employers and is automatically provided at the end of maternity leave."
The Dubai Ruler’s wife Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum had announced the scheme aimed at encouraging the development and prosperity of families through work-life balance.
Almur added: "In future phases of the programme, additional packages and benefits will be provided for education, health, and social services. These new additions — already being discussed with the appropriate government agencies, to be announced later — are part of Dubai’s efforts to promote family wellbeing and social stability," said.
The scheme is one of several launched in the UAE as part of a family-building push. The new Ministry of Family and longer maternity leave in Abu Dhabi are among the other plans.
Housing loans
The scheme slashes the monthly housing loan premium to no more than Dh3,333 for Dubai Weddings beneficiaries. "By cutting it down to this minimum, the programme saves families money and lets them spend on other important areas like childcare, education and saving. "With this project, housing stays affordable while being financially stable," Almur said.
The Dubai Weddings beneficiaries also receive "priority access" to prefabricated housing to expedite their passage into permanent family living. "This program is set up to enable the newlyweds to have a stress-free start in their marriage, and get their housing needs met without any delays. Housing Programme: Eligible couples apply online on the portal and places are distributed according to demand and priority".
The Dubai Weddings programme – introduced in January last year — pays for the main ceremony, and lends halls and neighborhood Majlises free of charge. In the first year alone, it hosted 344 weddings.
As the official explained the plan: "The marriage ceremony is a series of beautiful arrangements starting from Al Kosha, the elegantly dressed stage for the bride and groom as the main highlight.
It serves a dinner party, professional photography and videography. "The event also provides beverage hospitality, a perfume corner where we have vintage fragrances, and electronic things like electronic invitations and welcome cards for guest experience," he added.
You can request for these benefits as a couple via Dubai Now app. "Requests are reviewed for eligibility and when couples are selected they get logistical and financial support to organize their weddings smoothly."
Training schemes
The program will also introduce various training programs for beneficiaries of Dubai Weddings.
‘There are training sessions on finances, divorce and responsibilities. These are conducted as workshops, and in community sessions, in collaboration with educational and social development institutions. It is free of cost for all those who attend the programme including new couples and young families. Participants can sign up via the programme website or through partner universities".
Comments