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Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), commended the efforts of free zones members for implementing working remotely solution in line with the directives of the UAE government, as part of the precautionary and preventive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Council announced that all free zones in the emirate have implemented working remotely solution for 95% of their staff, in line with the directives of federal and local authorities in a bid to maintain business continuity, while also ensuring the safety and security of employees.
In keeping with the instructions of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFZC is working to achieve government and private sector parity during this unprecedented time and unite efforts to face the repercussions of this outbreak.
Aligned with best international practices currently being implemented across Dubai, the free zones are keen to provide a smooth and seamless experience for their business partners and foreign investors during this period in order to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and the wider business community.
The remote working mechanism reflects the keenness of free zones in leveraging electronic and smart applications to maintain the customer experience and highest standards of quality and excellence. DFZC provides a safe and secure technological environment where data confidentiality and privacy are preserved. It is also continuing to follow up with members to ensure all employees are performing their tasks and providing necessary support to customers remotely.
The Council urged companies to prioritize the health, safety and security of their work environment in implementing the remote working system. The UAE’s advanced technological infrastructure that facilitates the delivery of best-in-class services and products in record time, will enable companies to fulfill their social and professional commitments and contribute effectively to reducing the spread of the pandemic while safeguarding the health and well-being of their employees, families and the wider community. The Council reiterated that several companies could immediately start working remotely.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Secretary General of Dubai Free Zones Council, said: "The challenging times we are all passing through now will come to an end thanks to the efforts and intensive measures that many governments and international organizations are engaged in, as well as the UAE with the guidance of our wise leadership and their first line of defense are working to protect the society and limit the spread of COVID-19. Dubai Free Zones Council is seeking to ensure the highest standards of safety, security and excellence followed internationally. By monitoring and limiting the economic impact through introducing initiatives that will provide exceptional support to companies operating in the free zones, we are confident our collective efforts are sure to protect the free zones community in Dubai from the adverse impacts of this scenario.”
Al Zarooni stressed that foreign investors and international companies have placed their confidence in Dubai to achieve the growth and prosperity of their businesses. He praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council, for his directives to ensure that the free zones continue to meet their expectations in maintaining Dubai’s status as a leading business hub.
Al Zarooni added: “We must continue supporting our national economy and our business partners from both the private and local sectors to ensure business recovery following this pandemic. DFZC plays a vital role in stimulating local, regional and global trade and in enabling companies to continue transacting business normally. We must fully support them in doing so.”
Al Zarooni pointed out that Dubai’s free zones are world leaders in integrating a sophisticated and smart technology system to analyze business performance and provide an exceptional experience for customers. The technical infrastructure provided by the free zones allows Dubai to attract major international companies and foreign investors. Implementing the remote working system in stages to ensure a smooth transition enabled several free zones to ensure minimal disruption to their operations.
He summed up: “Since the start of the pandemic, our free zones encouraged their business partners to adopt remote working across operations to ensure the health of their workers and members of their families, through diverse campaigns and advertisements while complying with the highest standards of transparency in issuing global reports and statistics. Working round-the-clock, the emergency teams in the free zones handle all inquiries in cooperation with the concerned authorities in Dubai. The health and safety of the business community in the free zones is one of the humanitarian and professional priorities we are working to guarantee in cooperation with all members through implementing initiatives that contribute to achieving smooth and seamless operations across companies.
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