Dubai summer work scheme offers four-day week option for government employees
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Dubai government employees will get more flexible working options this summer, with some staff able to take Fridays off under the 2026 edition of “Our Flexible Summer”.
The program, launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, is being applied across government entities from June 29 to September 10.
The strongest change is the introduction of two summer work models. One group of employees will work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday. A second group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday as a day off.
Government entities may also apply approved flexible hours and remote working arrangements depending on the nature of their work and operational requirements.
DGHR said the programme was designed after studying employee needs and feedback, particularly during the summer period when many staff seek a better balance between work and family commitments.
The department said the model allows government entities to support employee wellbeing while maintaining business continuity and public service standards.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said, “The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative has demonstrated that employee wellbeing and quality of life do not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, they are among the key enablers of institutional success and long-term sustainability. Through this initiative, we continue to develop more flexible and people-centric government work environments that enhance the employee experience and strengthen the future-readiness of government entities".
The initiative is also linked to the objectives of the “Year of Family”, giving employees more time with their families during the summer while supporting workplace productivity.
“The initiative reflects Dubai’s government model that places people at the heart of development and recognises that investing in talent and quality of life is fundamental to enhancing productivity, innovation and sustainable performance”. Al Falasi added.
DGHR said “Our Flexible Summer” forms part of a wider set of policies focused on improving the government employee experience and preparing public sector workplaces for future needs.