Dubai trials four-day workweek for government employees
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Dubai will trial a four-day workweek with shorter daily hours for government staff this summer. From August 12 to September 30, work will be suspended on Fridays and the workday will be reduced to seven hours for 15 government organizations.
The trial is part of a pilot scheme launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department called "Our Summer is Flexible," aiming to enhance employee performance and quality of life. Staff completed a survey on summer working hours and proposals for shorter office time, which received significant support, according to state news agency WAM.
The human resources department will gather feedback to determine if the four-day workweek should become a permanent summer policy. This trial follows similar initiatives, such as Sharjah’s four-day workweek introduced in 2022 after the UAE government shifted to a four-and-a-half-day week. The UK also conducted a large 2022 trial where participating companies reported lower stress and improved employee health.
Wednesday’s announcement aligns with a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the world's best city to live in. This is part of the Quality of Life Strategy, which includes expanding beach cycling tracks, night swimming beaches and creating new women-only beaches.
