Dubai Ruler Sacks Nine Officials For Being Absent During Surprise Desk Inspection

Nine government officials in Dubai have been sacked by the country’s ruler after he paid a surprise visit to their office - and found none of them at work.

A video posted to Instagram shows Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum walking around the Land Department and Department of Economic Development office at 7.30am, when public sector workers are meant to start.

But rather than find staff eager for another day of work, he found empty chairs and no one to talk to.

Not impressed: Sheikh Mohammed found empty seats during his inspection (Instagram/khalifasaeed)

As a result of his impromptu visit, Sheikh Mohammed ordered the retirement of nine members of Dubai Municipality’s executive management - which basically means he sacked them.

He later thanked the nine “retired” officials for their service but wanted a better quality of public service by a younger generation of workers.

Sheikh Mohammed is known for his early morning walkabouts “to ensure government services are up to Dubai’s globally admired standards”, according to Gulf News.

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

Top pic: Dubai Media Office