Flexible Summer Initiative in Dubai: 4-Day Workweek or Flexible Hours for Government Employees
Starting Tuesday, July 1, 2025, employees of 21 government entities in Dubai will benefit from a reduced 4-day workweek or flexible hours as part of the "Our Flexible Summer" initiative, which will run until September 12.
This decision follows a pilot phase launched in 2024, during which the new work rhythm was experimented within 15 administrations. According to the authorities, the initiative has resulted in a significant increase in job satisfaction, an improvement in the professional environment, and better productivity.
The program implemented by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department provides for two organizational models. The first group of employees will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday off. The second group will work seven-hour days from Monday to Thursday, and a half-day (four and a half hours) on Friday.
This measure is part of the "Year of Community" launched by the United Arab Emirates and aims to reconcile administrative performance and human well-being, while enabling families to make the most of the summer school break.
So far, it only concerns the public sector, although many voices in Dubai and at the federal level, are calling for extending this flexibility to the private sector. A white paper published in January 2025 by the Emirati government highlights the numerous benefits of telecommuting and flexible hours for both public and private entities. Moreover, a survey conducted in November indicated that these arrangements could significantly contribute to reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.
