DGHR rolls out 2026 ‘Our Flexible Summer’ programme with shorter workweeks, remote work and flexible schedules to boost employee wellbeing and productivity
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched the 2026 edition of its ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, giving government employees greater workplace flexibility during the summer months.
- DGHR rolls out 2026 ‘Our Flexible Summer’ programme with shorter workweeks, remote work and flexible schedules to boost employee wellbeing and productivity
- Two flexible work models introduced
- Dubai strengthens focus on employee wellbeing
- Flexible work becomes a long-term workforce strategy
- Dubai builds on previous success
- Supporting the UAE’s Year of Family
The programme will run from June 29 to September 10, 2026. During this period, participating government entities can introduce alternative work schedules, remote working options and compressed workweeks while maintaining public service standards.
The initiative forms part of Dubai’s long-term strategy to create a more agile, employee-focused and future-ready public sector.
Two flexible work models introduced
Under the new programme, government departments can choose between two approved working models based on operational needs.
The first model allows employees to work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday, followed by a 4.5-hour workday on Friday.
Meanwhile, the second model introduces a compressed workweek. Employees will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday and receive Friday as a full day off, effectively creating a four-day workweek.
In addition, government entities may also offer remote working arrangements wherever operationally feasible.
Dubai strengthens focus on employee wellbeing
According to Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, the initiative demonstrates that employee wellbeing and organisational performance can grow together.
He said the programme supports the development of more flexible and people-centric government workplaces. At the same time, it enhances employee experience while improving the future readiness of public sector organisations.
Al Falasi also noted that investing in talent and quality of life remains a key pillar of Dubai’s vision for building a competitive and innovative government workforce.
Flexible work becomes a long-term workforce strategy
The latest programme reflects a broader global shift towards flexible working arrangements.
Initially, many organisations adopted hybrid and remote work during the pandemic. However, flexible work has now become a long-term workforce strategy for governments and businesses alike.
Across the world, employers continue to experiment with compressed workweeks, hybrid models and flexible schedules to improve employee engagement, increase productivity and strengthen talent retention.
Similarly, Gulf countries are expanding workplace flexibility as they compete to attract skilled professionals and position themselves as leading global destinations for work and investment.
Dubai builds on previous success
Dubai has emerged as one of the region’s leading adopters of flexible work practices within the public sector.
Earlier editions of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative reported positive outcomes, including higher employee satisfaction and improved productivity.
As a result, the government has expanded the programme for 2026 while continuing to balance operational excellence with workforce wellbeing.
Supporting the UAE’s Year of Family
DGHR said the initiative also supports the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Family.
The programme helps employees balance professional responsibilities with family and personal commitments without affecting the quality of government services.
Ultimately, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s ambition to build modern government workplaces that prioritise employee wellbeing, operational efficiency and long-term organisational performance.
