Public sector workers in Dubai to get flexible working hours: What you need to know

Under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative, Dubai public sector staff can either take Fridays off or work reduced hours on Fridays, depending on their chosen schedule/ Image (File)
Dubai has officially reintroduced its seasonal workplace initiative, 'Our Flexible Summer', offering government employees flexible working hours aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing work-life balance during the scorching summer period.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) confirmed that the initiative will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025, and will apply across government entities at each department's discretion. This follows a successful pilot conducted in 2024.
'This is all about supporting a better work-life balance for our government teams,' the DGHR said in a public statement, highlighting the initiative's aim to make summer 'a little cooler' for public sector staff.
Two Work Schedule Options Under the Initiative
Under the temporary model, the standard five-day workweek remains in place, but employees can choose from two flexible scheduling options:
Group 1: Work 8 hours per day from Monday to Thursday and take Friday off entirely.
Group 2: Work 7 hours per day from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday.
The choice of implementation is left to each government department, allowing flexibility across different operations.
The DGHR stated that the initiative 'comes after the successful trial run earlier this year' and is intended to increase employee happiness and overall productivity during the UAE's peak summer months.
Results from the Previous Trial Phase
The program isn't new. In 2024, the Dubai Government rolled out a similar model between August 12 and September 30 across 21 government entities.
According to data analysed from that pilot, the initiative:
Led to enhanced productivity
Created more positive work environments
Achieved a 98% satisfaction rate among participating employees, based on official evaluation systems
The results confirmed that flexible working arrangements could have a measurable impact on both employee wellbeing and departmental performance.
This year's expanded rollout reflects the government's confidence in the model's success.
Longer Weekends and Broader Worker Welfare Measures
Currently, most government employees in Dubai enjoy a two-and-a-half-day weekend, with a half-day on Friday, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. The new schedule will allow some staff to enjoy a full three-day weekend, depending on the group selected.
In parallel, the UAE continues to implement additional summer workforce protections, particularly for outdoor and field-based workers.
As of June 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) began enforcing the annual midday break, which bans work under direct sunlight from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, daily until September 15.
MoHRE inspectors have already begun site checks, with fines of Dh5,000 per worker for violations, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 in cases involving multiple breaches.
In addition, the ministry has set up over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations across the country to support delivery service workers, helping them cope with extreme heat during the peak season.

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