Dubai is pioneering a fresh approach to employee welfare with its upcoming pilot scheme, ‘Our Flexible Summer.’ Beginning August 12 and running through September 30, the initiative will see 15 Dubai government organizations shift to a four-day workweek and cut daily working hours to seven.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that under the scheme, government employees will enjoy a shortened workday—down from the usual nine hours—and a day off on Fridays. This change is expected to improve employee well-being by fostering a better work-life balance and enhancing safety during the intense summer heat.
“The initiative seeks to elevate employee well-being by enhancing their social life and workplace safety during the summer period for better work-life balance,” a DGHR statement reported via state news agency WAM.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed al-Falasi, Director-General of DGHR, highlighted the scheme’s dual goals: improving employees’ quality of life and promoting sustainable resource use. “This initiative positions Dubai as the ideal city for a superior lifestyle,” he said.
The pilot scheme follows a successful survey indicating strong support from various government entities. It also aims to empower employees to engage in leisure activities post-work while reducing energy consumption in government offices.
Dubai’s initiative echoes a similar move by Sharjah in 2022, which adopted a four-day workweek. Additionally, the UAE government’s annual midday break mandate, banning outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the summer months, continues to protect outdoor workers across the country.
