The Dubai Government has reintroduced its ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, allowing eligible government employees to work a four-day week or follow shorter working hours during the summer.
The 2026 programme runs from June 29 to September 10. It offers government entities two flexible work models while ensuring uninterrupted public services. The initiative aims to improve employee wellbeing, strengthen work-life balance and support family time during the summer months.
Importantly, the policy applies only to Dubai government employees. It does not extend to private sector employers across the UAE.
Two flexible work models available
Under the initiative, government entities can choose between two working schedules based on operational needs and employee roles.
The first option requires employees to work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday, followed by a four-and-a-half-hour Friday.
The second option allows employees to work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off, creating a four-day work week.
Departments can also combine these schedules with approved flexible working hours and remote work arrangements where appropriate. However, they must continue delivering public services without disruption.
Initiative supports employee wellbeing and family life
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department introduced the programme in 2024 after reviewing employee feedback on summer working conditions and work-life balance.
Rather than reducing working hours permanently, the initiative redistributes weekly working time. As a result, departments can adopt the model only if they can maintain operational efficiency and service quality.
Commenting on the initiative, Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said:
“Employee wellbeing and quality of life should be viewed as key drivers of institutional performance, not competing priorities.”
The programme also supports the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, giving employees additional time with their families during the summer.
Pilot programme delivered strong employee satisfaction
Dubai first tested the initiative across 21 government entities in 2024 before expanding it in 2025.
According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, the pilot improved workplace productivity and the overall working environment. Employee satisfaction and happiness reached 98% among participating entities. Meanwhile, assessments under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme also recorded improvements in organisational performance.
The 2026 rollout builds on those results and continues Dubai’s gradual approach to workplace flexibility. Instead of applying a single model across all departments, the Government allows each entity to determine eligibility based on operational requirements.
Why it matters for HR leaders
The initiative reinforces a growing workplace trend across the Middle East: flexibility can improve employee experience without compromising organisational performance.
For HR leaders, Dubai’s approach demonstrates that flexible working models can be tailored to business needs, provided organisations define clear eligibility criteria, maintain accountability and safeguard service continuity.
