Dubai Announces Flexible Work Hours for Government Employees During Summer 2025
In a move to enhance employee well-being and productivity during the peak summer months, Dubai has announced flexible working hours for government employees, starting from July 1 until September 12, 2025, as part of an initiative led by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).
The summer work model will be implemented at the discretion of each government entity, allowing flexibility while maintaining the official five-day workweek.
Two Flexible Work Models Introduced
The initiative introduces two options for employees:
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Group 1: Employees will work 8 hours per day from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off.
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Group 2: Employees will work 7 hours per day from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday.
This structure allows participating employees to enjoy longer weekends, aligning with the broader objective of promoting work-life balance.
Positive Outcomes from 2024 Pilot
This is not the first time such a policy has been implemented. In 2024, 21 Dubai government entities took part in a pilot program that demonstrated notable success. The DGHR reported that the initiative:
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Increased employee productivity
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Improved workplace satisfaction and environment
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Achieved a 98% employee happiness rating, based on internal assessments
Parallel Summer Labor Reforms Across UAE
The flexible hours initiative complements other seasonal labor measures in the UAE, including the midday worker ban, which began on June 15 and runs until September 15. Under this ban, outdoor work is prohibited between 12:30pm and 3:00pm to protect laborers from extreme heat.
To further safeguard workers, the UAE has also introduced over 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations for delivery and outdoor workers.
Companies found violating the midday ban face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 for multiple violations.
A Step Toward a Happier, More Productive Workforce
Dubai continues to lead in promoting flexible work practices, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to employee well-being, public sector efficiency, and sustainability during extreme weather. The summer working hours initiative underscores the government’s proactive stance in balancing operational needs with human-centric policies.
