UAE Announces Flexible Work Timings for Government Employees Ahead of New School Year
UAE government employees will be allowed greater flexibility in their working hours as children return to school on Monday, August 31, under the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources' Flexible Work Policy.
The policy allows eligible public-sector employees to adjust their reporting and departure times by up to three hours, helping parents manage school-related responsibilities while maintaining government operations and service delivery.
Flexibility on first day of school
Federal government employees with children in primary school and above can request flexible working hours on the first day of school. The arrangements will also take into account differences in school reopening dates across various educational curricula.
Employees whose children attend nurseries or kindergarten will be permitted to work flexible hours during their child's first week back at school.
The measures are intended to help parents manage school drop-offs and other responsibilities during the transition back to the academic year.
Flexible hours for school activities
The policy also allows government employees to request flexible working arrangements when attending parent-teacher meetings, graduation ceremonies and other special school occasions and activities involving their children.
The flexibility is subject to arrangements that ensure government departments continue to function effectively and that public services are not disrupted.
Policy supports work-life balance
The initiative focuses on providing employees with greater flexibility while maintaining workflow and service delivery across federal government entities.
The arrangement has been implemented since 2024, reflecting the UAE government's continued approach towards more flexible and family-friendly workplace practices.
The latest measures come ahead of the new school year and are aimed at helping working parents balance professional responsibilities with important school-related commitments.
