The Dubai government has introduced new flexible working hours rules.
Dubai announces flexible working hours and a reduced workweek for government employees during the summer months in 2025 to promote employee well-being and work-life balance. The DGHR has announced the official rollout of the “Our Flexible Summer” initiative across all government entities after its pilot in 2024.
As the temperature reaches its peak, this measure focuses on ensuring that employees maintain efficiency and wellness. Additionally, it is setting a new standard for an adaptive work culture in the region. Here, we will share all essential insights related to this initiative. In addition, we will share with you some key details about this change in this article.
What does Dubai Flexible Working Hours include?
It is set to begin on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, and will end on Friday, 12 September 2025. The government will divide its employees across 21 entities into two groups for this initiative. The working hours are going to align with the official 5-day week for the public sector.
Employees in the first group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday and get Friday off. On the other hand, employees in the second group have to work for 7 hours a day from Monday to Thursday and work for four and a half hours on Friday. The following schedule will help you understand it better:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
This move focuses on Dubai’s vision to become a future-forward city that prioritizes human capital, productivity, and innovation. By doing so, the Emirates is also showing its importance in a sustainable work environment in extreme weather conditions.
Who is Eligible for the 4-Day Week?
It will apply to the selected government department. However, the government head will find out the eligibility of employees. Remember, there might be rules for some employees to work remotely on Friday.
The policy also mandates that you should cooperate with the direct managers to ensure smooth operation and maintain productivity. In addition, it will ensure that there will be no disruption to regular tasks in the public interest.
Enhancing Employee Productivity
Officials behind this initiative believe that short workweeks and flexible working hours in Dubai will boost employees’ morale, job satisfaction, and productivity. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, mentioned that it shows our firm commitment to boosting the government work nature, making it more responsive and adaptable to the needs of employees and the community.
Temperature and Health Considerations
The move is not only a regular modern work culture, but it is a health-conscious decision for Dubai’s employees. Currently, the temperature regularly exceeds 45°C (113°F) in the daytime. Therefore, employees could experience increased fatigue and health risks while commuting and working in this extreme heat. So, Dubai authorities are prioritizing employees’ safety by adjusting working hours and giving remote options.
Broader Implications for Dubai’s Workforce
Dubai’s summer working hours initiatives could be a blueprint for the private sector. It might encourage businesses across the UAE to form their own flexible hours policies. Recently, the UAE has taken steps towards progressive labor policies.
It is introducing a remote working model and encouraging digital transformation. Moreover, the new summer initiative includes further momentum for the transformation. In short, it is adopting global human resource management.
Final words
Since Dubai announces flexible working hours, we can expect that it will be enough relief for people working there. However, only government employees can enjoy this initiative now. We can expect that private companies and other organizations throughout the Emirate will also adopt it.
