UAE Firms Offer Remote Work from Abroad for Up to a Year: Key Roles Revealed
A growing number of UAE-based companies are embracing remote work policies that allow employees to work from abroad for extended periods, typically ranging from six to twelve months. This shift comes in the wake of evolving workforce expectations and the UAE government’s move to facilitate remote work for government entities overseas, announced in March this year.
According to Hana Abu Kharmeh, Chief Operating Officer of Serco Middle East, the company provides global mobility opportunities under certain conditions, including compliance with tax, legal, and operational requirements.
“We’ve supported international remote working across various departments,” Abu Kharmeh said. “This includes client-facing advisory roles, internal HR, and growth-focused positions. Flexible models have helped us retain top talent and align with evolving employee expectations.”
Each remote arrangement is customised based on role, performance, and business needs, typically ranging from six to twelve months, with an option to extend.
Sectors Benefiting Most from Remote Work Abroad
Remote work abroad is especially popular in the services and technology sectors, where roles are project-based and digitally enabled. This includes:
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Advisory and consulting
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Software development
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Data analytics
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IT services
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Corporate roles such as HR, marketing, finance, and strategy
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Creative fields like content creation and design
These roles can function effectively without a physical office presence, provided employees remain aligned with business goals.
More Companies Joining the Trend
At a recent panel event, Nasser AlBlooshi, Managing Director for the UAE at Chalhoub Group, revealed that their employees are allowed to work abroad for up to four weeks annually, provided they maintain regular work hours and performance standards.
Meanwhile, Mahesh Shahdadpuri, CEO of Tasc Outsourcing, said COVID-19 and technological advancements made remote work viable long-term.
“Different companies are at different stages of evolution. The focus should be on a strong culture and clear objectives — not just location,” said Shahdadpuri.
Government Support Encourages Flexibility
The UAE’s recent remote work initiative for federal employees abroad reflects a national push to tap into global talent pools while offering cost-effective and flexible staffing solutions.
As the demand for hybrid and remote work options grows, more UAE firms are expected to adapt policies that prioritise productivity and employee satisfaction over physical presence.
