Dubai's Ruler Finds Empty Desks In Surprise Office Spot Check
The Sheikh fast-forwards the retirement of nine staff after finding empty desks on an unannounced visit to a government office.
Tuesday 30 August 2016 14:28, UK
Dubai's ruler has sacked nine senior officials and ordered a shake-up of the city's management after a spot check revealed a significant number of absent employees.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conducted the no-warning spot check himself - and posted a video of it on his Instagram account.
Posting the footage of the unannounced visit to a government office building on social media was intended to "send a message", according to a Dubai media official.
The action has been deemed as part of a widespread move by Gulf governments to make their bureaucracies more efficient amid low oil prices.
On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, fast-forwarded the retirement of nine members of the municipality's executive management.
These included directors and assistant director-generals in departments such as legal affairs and planning, the UAE's state news agency WAM reported.
He thanked them for their service, but said he wanted to allow a new generation of young leaders to take control and provide top-quality services to the public, according to WAM.