Dubai Introduces 4-Day Week, Flexible Hours for Some Workers

The Dubai Government has unveiled new working hour guidelines aimed at improving employees' work-life balance.

As part of this initiative, flexible operating hours and a four-day workweek will be offered to certain employees during the summer months. This effort follows the successful pilot program conducted in 2024.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) is set to implement the "Our Flexible Summer" initiative across all governmental entities. The initiative is scheduled to run from July 1 to September 12, 2025, offering organizations the flexibility to tailor working hours to better support staff.

Dubai's Approach to Flexible Working

According to DGHR, the initiative aims to enhance work-life balance for government employees and will operate in accordance with the standard five-day workweek. Employees will be divided into two groups:

• The first group will work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy a full day off on Friday.
• The second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday.

The Dubai Government hopes these changes will foster a more equitable and accommodating work environment, with decisions made at the discretion of individual departments.