RESHAPING WORK IN THE UAE: TRENDS AND TENSIONS IN REMOTE AND HYBRID MODELS

Objective: This study examines the evolution of remote work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on structural trends, implementation challenges, and psychological impacts on employees across sectors. Theoretical Framework: The analysis is grounded in two complementary frameworks: the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) Model, which explains the interplay between job demands and resources in shaping employee outcomes, and Psychological Contract Theory, which explores how shifts in work arrangements affect perceived trust, fairness, and organizational commitment. Method: A qualitative desktop-based research design was employed using secondary data sources. These included government policy documents, labor market reports, international benchmarking studies, and peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025. A thematic framework analysis was conducted to identify structural, behavioral, and psychological patterns in remote and hybrid work adoption. Results and Discussion: The study found that although remote job postings in the UAE declined slightly from 4.3% in 2023 to 3.7% in 2024, hybrid work remains significantly more prevalent than pre-pandemic levels. Government reforms, such as the 2025 Ramadan directive mandating 70% remote work for federal employees, indicate a strategic shift toward institutionalizing flexibility. However, challenges persist related to managerial readiness, cultural expectations, and employee perceptions of recognition and career progression. Psychological outcomes were mixed: while many employees reported increased job satisfaction and improved work-life balance, others experienced fatigue, limited visibility, and disconnection. Research Implications: These findings underscore the need for policy and leadership strategies that reinforce psychological contracts, support employee well-being, and ensure equitable performance recognition in hybrid work environments. Future studies should empirically assess sectoral variations and long-term effects of remote work practices on workforce engagement and productivity. Originality/Value: This study contributes a contextual and theory-informed understanding of remote work transformation in the UAE, highlighting its unique socio-cultural, regulatory, and organizational dynamics. It offers practical insights for policymakers, organizational leaders, and HR practitioners seeking to design sustainable hybrid work models in the post-pandemic era.