Latest news with #AbdullahAlibinZayedAlFalasi
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai's four day week explained: Why people are working less in the emirate
A four day week is being introduced in Dubai later this year. Public sector workers will enjoy two-and-a-half months of long weekends as the emirate introduces a reduced schedule during the hot summer months. The 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative, launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, will start on Tuesday July 1 and run until Friday September 12 in the emirate. Workers at every government entity in Dubai will have a reduced schedule during the summer months as part of plans to enhance the work-life balance for employees. The summer working hours schedule follows a trial run last year, which saw employees at 21 government entities work less. It was found that 98 percent of people who participated in the trial experienced an increase in employee satisfaction and happiness. A four day week has been announced for Dubai government workers (Credit: Adobe Express) And assessments under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme found that the performance of participants had clearly improved. The 2025 summer schedule aims to strengthen family ties during the school holidays and improve overall well-being. Government entities will be split into two groups during the summer. One group will work for eight hours per day between Monday and Thursday before enjoying Friday as a full holiday. And the second group will work seven hours per day from Monday to Thursday and work for four-and-a-half hours on Friday. The new season is nearly here Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, says the initiative is the latest to place the wellbeing of people at the heart of it. He said: 'This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community. 'The implementation of this year's expanded edition, builds on the successful outcomes of the 2024 pilot phase. 'It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at developing an advanced government system that balances institutional efficiency with human well-being. 'This supports Dubai's aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services.' And, while the four day week, only applies to Dubai's public sector, there have been encouraging signs that a reduced schedule and flexible hours could be introduced across the board. In November 2024, the RTA revealed that flexible hours and remote working could be a solution to Dubai's notorious traffic problems. And in January, a government white paper argued the case for remote working and a hybrid model to be introduced in the UAE. You might also like: UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai to Implement ‘Our Flexible Summer' Initiative Across All Government Entities
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced the rollout of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities from July 1 to September 12, 2025, following the success of its 2024 pilot. The program aims to enhance work-life balance, increase productivity, and strengthen family ties among government employees. The initiative's pilot phase involved 21 government entities and resulted in significant improvements. Employee satisfaction rose to 98%, while productivity and work environment quality saw measurable gains. Evaluations under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme also highlighted performance improvements within participating entities. Aligned with the 'Year of Community,' the expanded initiative allows each government entity to tailor the flexible work arrangements to their needs. Employees will be split into two groups: one working eight hours from Monday to Thursday with Friday off, and another working seven hours Monday to Thursday plus 4.5 hours on Friday, maintaining the official five-day workweek. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, DGHR Director-General, emphasized the initiative's alignment with Dubai's strategic vision. 'Our Flexible Summer reflects our commitment to placing people at the center of government policies,' he said. 'It fosters a supportive work environment that balances institutional efficiency with employee well-being, advancing Dubai's goal of delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-focused government services.' The initiative is a clear move toward a modern government workplace that prioritizes flexibility and employee satisfaction while sustaining high institutional performance. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DGHR Partners with Dubai AI Campus to Future-Proof Workforce
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has signed a strategic agreement with Dubai AI Campus, a DIFC initiative, to train over 10,000 individuals in artificial intelligence by 2030. The move is part of a broader effort to equip public and private sector talent with the skills needed to navigate and lead in a fast-evolving digital landscape. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to strengthen human capital through specialized training programs, hands-on projects, and mentorship opportunities focused on real-world applications of AI. The initiative aligns with Dubai's ambition to become a global technology hub and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) in building a sustainable knowledge economy. 'This collaboration marks a pivotal step in empowering our workforce with skills to drive digital transformation,' said Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR. He emphasized that investing in human capital is essential to maintaining Dubai's competitive edge and long-term development. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, echoed this vision, stating that a future-ready workforce is key to the emirate's innovation and growth. 'By fostering cross-sector partnerships, we are creating the foundations for long-term prosperity,' he said. One of the flagship initiatives under the agreement is the 'AI for Civil Service' programme, which focuses on generative AI training for government employees. Participants will be required to pitch innovative ideas evaluated by experts from DIFC, Udacity, and the private sector. The agreement also includes plans for advanced workshops, research publications, and support for local tech events—all aimed at enhancing institutional performance and reinforcing Dubai's position as a leader in digital transformation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai summer hours: 4-day working week and reduced hours for public sector
Dubai has introduced a four-day working week and reduced hours for public sector workers. It follows a successful initial trial scheme first introduced in 2024 for those working for government entities. Set to begin on Tuesday July 1, the 2025 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative will run until Friday September 12. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has implemented a reduced summer schedule to allow workers a greater work-life balance. The pilot phase of the initiative was implemented across 21 government entities in Dubai and was found to improve overall employee satisfaction and happiness among workers, in addition to enhanced productivity and an improved work environment. The trial expands on last year's trial period, which ran from August until the end of September and was only applicable to 15 different government entities. Dubai summer working hours explained 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… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 15, 2025 Government employees across 21 entities will be divided into two different groups. The working hours will align with the official five-day week for the public sector. The first group will work eight-hour days from Monday until Thursday and get Friday off. And the second group will work seven-hour days from Monday until Thursday, and work for four-and-a-half hours on Friday. The expanded initiative aligns with the ongoing 'Year of Community' in the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai summer working schedule aims to boost employee satisfaction and productivity while also strengthening family ties during the seasonal school break. There will be a reduced working schedule during the Dubai summer (Credit: Adobe Express) Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the initiative builds on the successes of last year's pilot phase. He said: 'This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community. 'The implementation of this year's expanded edition, builds on the successful outcomes of the 2024 pilot phase. It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at developing an advanced government system that balances institutional efficiency with human well-being. 'This supports Dubai's aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services.' Remote work in the UAE has been strongly argued in favour for in a government white paper (Credit: Canva) A similar policy is not in place for private sector workers, but there have been calls from the Dubai and UAE governments to introduce more remote working and flexible hours across the board. A Dubai government survey released in November 2024 found that flexible hours and remote work would significantly reduce road traffic at peak hours on Dubai's busiest roads. And a UAE government white paper released in January outlined the many benefits of a flexible remote working policy for private and public entities in the country. Things to do in Dubai Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 50 free things to do in Dubai You won't believe what you can do 47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE For you and the little ones
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai announces ‘Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all government entities
15 June 2025 16:15 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced 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 initiative will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025 and will be implemented based on each entity's results from the pilot phase of the initiative, implemented across 21 government entities in 2024, demonstrated enhanced productivity and improved work environments. Data also showed an increase in employee satisfaction and happiness, reaching up to 98%, while assessments under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme highlighted clear improvements in the performance of participating entities. Strategic step The initiative's expansion this year aligns with the 'Year of Community' and represents a strategic step towards enhancing work-life balance for government employees. By fostering a flexible and supportive work environment, the initiative aims to boost employee satisfaction and productivity, while also strengthening family ties—the foundation of a cohesive Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative reflects the strategic direction of the Government of Dubai to place people at the heart of its policies.'This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community,' he said. 'The implementation of this year's expanded edition, builds on the successful outcomes of the 2024 pilot phase. "It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at developing an advanced government system that balances institutional efficiency with human well-being. This supports Dubai's aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services.'The Government of Dubai highlighted that the implementation of the initiative will align with the official five-day working hours. Employees will be divided into two groups. The first group will work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday, while the second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday.
