UAE Employees Continue to Favour Office Work Despite Hybrid Shift: Study

A new global workplace study by the Gensler Research Institute finds that employees in the United Arab Emirates continue to view the office as central to their work, even as hybrid models become more common.
The research, based on insights from over 16,000 full-time professionals across 16 countries, shows that UAE employees spend just over half of their working week—around 53%—in the office. The rest of their time is split between working from home, coworking spaces, client sites, and business travel. Among these, working from home remains the most preferred alternative, while coworking hubs and client locations are less favoured.
The study also highlights a gap between current work patterns and employee preferences. Respondents indicated they would ideally like to spend closer to two-thirds of their time in the office. This suggests that physical workplaces remain important for both focused work and collaboration. Within office environments, some employees prefer working independently, while others value in-person or hybrid collaboration.
Similar trends were observed in Saudi Arabia, where office presence continues to dominate. Across both markets, the role of the office is evolving beyond a traditional workspace into a hub for learning, visibility, and access to specialised resources.
Employees cited several reasons for choosing office work, including better access to technology, fewer distractions, opportunities for professional growth, direct interaction with leadership, and social engagement with colleagues.
Workplace design also emerged as a key factor influencing office preference. Employees value amenities such as cafés, lounges, team collaboration spaces, and wellness facilities. Proximity to essential services like healthcare, dining, and retail outlets further enhances the workplace experience.
The findings suggest that while flexible work arrangements are becoming a standard part of modern employment, the office continues to play a vital role in supporting productivity, connection, and professional development.
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