Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has issued a decree forcing several government executives into early retirement.

The decree comes after Sheikh Mohammed carried out a surprise visit to a number of government offices across the city on 28 August.

It was reported in local media that several high-ranking officials were not present when Sheikh Mohammed, who is also prime minister of the UAE, carried out his spot check. The same reports have also said that up to nine executive directors from Dubai Municipality have been relieved of their duties.

The director-general of the Dubai Media Office told local newspaper The National that the ruler “certainly wanted to send a message. Timeliness starts at the top, and we won’t go after the employees when their bosses aren’t there”.