A recent study conducted by Blacklane Middle East, a leading provider of chauffeur services focused on safety, sustainability, and stress-free travel, has shed light on the evolving landscape of business travel and work habits among UAE professionals. The findings reveal that an increasing number of UAE professionals are working on-the-go, with 56 percent of respondents indicating they work while commuting more now than before the pandemic.
The backdrop to this shift is a booming tourism and business climate in the UAE. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reports that the city welcomed 15.37 million overnight international visitors in the first 11 months of 2023, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. Moreover, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce recorded over 30,000 new business registrations in the first half of 2023 alone, signaling robust economic growth. However, this growth has also led to more congested roads, prompting commuters to seek ways to use their travel time more productively.
Key insights from the study include:
- A quarter of UAE business travelers have taken at least ten work-related commutes in the past 12 months.
- Post-pandemic, business travel has surged by 46 percent, with significant increases in the retail, catering, legal, and arts sectors.
- Nearly half of the travelers use chauffeur services, with a third dedicating their commute time to emails and work communication.
- The demand for virtual meetings has jumped by 65 percent over the past year, yet 58 percent report more in-person meetings in the UAE.
Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Founder of Blacklane, commented on the trend, noting a 50 percent increase in demand for business travel and a significant rise in revenue for Blacklane, highlighting the changing dynamics of work and efficiency as professionals spend more time away from their desks.
“Across the board we’re seeing a huge increase in the demand for business travel as we experienced a growth rate of 50 percent in the past year and our revenue quadrupled in 2022 compared to the previous year,” said Wohltorf. “People spend more time out and about meeting clients, colleagues, associates and so on, and in turn this means more time spent away from the desk, impacting efficiency and ultimately meaning more work is trying to be squeezed into the same day.”
In response to these trends, Blacklane Middle East has positioned its all-electric fleet of Mercedes-Benz EQS as mobile offices for the region’s busy professionals. The vehicles offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable interiors, and charging facilities, operated by a team of Academy-trained chauffeurs. Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane Middle East, emphasized the company’s commitment to alleviating commuter burdens by providing productive and connected commuting experiences.
“The report underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions to alleviate the burden on commuters in the UAE, as there is a growing demand among working professionals to remain productive and connected while commuting,” he commented. “At Blacklane ME, we understand the importance of providing a seamless travel experience for busy working professionals, enabling them to focus on their tasks without disruptions.”
Blacklane ME’s focus on innovation extends to its carbon-neutral commitment, offsetting all emissions from its journeys globally. This initiative, along with its tailored services for business professionals, positions Blacklane ME as a pioneer in redefining the commuting experience in the UAE, catering to the increasing need for efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in business travel.
