Dubai Expands Flexible Summer Work Hours Across Government Sector

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has officially announced the full rollout of its ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, following a successful pilot programme in 2024. The initiative, aimed at promoting work-life balance for government employees, will be implemented across all Dubai Government entities from July 1 to September 12, 2025.

The programme introduces two flexible work schedules for government employees, both aligned with the official five-day work week. One option allows staff to work eight hours per day from Monday to Thursday, granting them Fridays off. The alternative offers a schedule of seven hours per day from Monday to Thursday, with a shorter 4.5-hour working day on Friday. Each department will decide which option to adopt, based on internal operational requirements.

According to the DGHR, the 2024 pilot—conducted with the participation of 21 government entities—yielded highly encouraging results. The trial saw notable gains in employee productivity, improved workplace morale, and a significant boost in overall job satisfaction, which reached 98 percent. Additionally, assessments carried out under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme reported measurable improvements in department-level performance.

The expansion of the initiative also aligns with Dubai’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, a campaign aimed at strengthening social connections and building a more family-friendly, human-centric work culture within the government.

His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the DGHR, said the initiative is part of a wider strategic vision to enhance institutional flexibility while ensuring employee well-being remains a top priority.

“This initiative reflects our strategic direction to place people at the core of government policy,” Al Falasi stated. “It builds on the strong outcomes of last year’s pilot and supports the creation of a government system that harmonizes institutional efficiency with human well-being. Our goal is to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-first public services.”

The DGHR believes the initiative represents a model for future government work practices, particularly in dynamic urban environments like Dubai, where employee wellness and service quality are increasingly seen as interconnected goals.