Dubai is officially bringing back its flexible summer work schedule for public sector employees, offering shorter workweeks and reduced hours starting Tuesday, July 1, and continuing through Friday, September 12, 2025.
The program, titled “Our Flexible Summer”, was first introduced in 2024 as a pilot and is now being expanded after receiving positive feedback. The aim is to boost employee well-being, work-life balance, and overall productivity.
More Departments, More Flexibility
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department announced that 21 government departments will now take part, up from 15 last year.
The expanded rollout reflects strong support from public employees who found the changes improved job satisfaction and promoted a healthier work environment.
The revised schedule divides employees into two groups:
- Group One will work four days a week, Monday through Thursday, putting in eight hours daily and getting Fridays off.
- Group Two will also work Monday to Thursday but for seven hours per day, followed by a shorter four-and-a-half-hour shift on Friday.
This system maintains a five-day workweek while offering greater flexibility.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announces the implementation of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. Aimed at enhancing work-life balance for government employees, the… pic.twitter.com/ORqI6PxhJ7
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 15, 2025
Supporting Families and Community Life
This initiative ties in with the UAE’s “Year of Community” campaign, which promotes stronger family connections and community engagement.
The adjusted hours are especially helpful during the summer school break, giving parents more time at home with their children.
What Officials Are Saying
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the expansion of the program is based on last year’s success.
“This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the government work environment, tailoring it to meet both employee needs and community expectations. We’re aiming to create a modern, adaptive government system that promotes both efficiency and personal well-being,” he said.
He further noted that Dubai remains focused on developing sustainable and people-centered governance.
Encouraging Broader Adoption
Though the changes are limited to the public sector for now, officials are urging private companies to consider similar flexible arrangements.
A government survey released in November 2024 indicated that flexible work schedules could help ease traffic congestion.
A January 2025 white paper also pointed out that remote and flexible work options contribute to better employee satisfaction and more efficient operations across both public and private sectors.