PM Surprises Employees at Work, but They’re Not There

Sheikh Mohammed on a surprise visit of a government office.

The Sheikh made an unannounced trip to a government office in Dubai, the city known for its huge skyscrapers and insane wealth, this past Sunday – which is a normal working day in the United Arab Emirates – and seems to have been disappointed by the lack of staff present. Sunday was the first day of school.

Dubai’s media office on Twitter stressed that managers were not superior to rank-and-file employees.

He is said to have wanted to “send a message” with the sackings.

On Sunday, his government posted a video online of him making an unannounced visit to a government office and finding it empty, an exercise which a Dubai media official said was meant to “send a message”.

Dubai’s ruler was known for his surprise visits in the early days of transforming the city from a desert town into a thriving global metropolis.

“Timeliness starts at the top, and we won’t go after the employees when their bosses aren’t there”.

Dubai now receives about 10 million tourists a year, and is well-known for the world’s tallest tower and man-made islands.

Addressing a brainstorming session chaired by him, and attended by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed said that the leadership deeply appreciates those who work hard for the country’s progress. Saeed commented that Sunday’s spot visits showed “senior officials” were absent.

During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed facilities and services provided to passengers travelling via Dubai International Airport.