Dubai Public Sector Rolls Out 4‑Day Summer Workweek

Starting July 1, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department will implement its “Our Flexible Summer” initiative across 21 government entities. Building on a successful 2024 pilot involving 15 departments, this year’s program offers public employees two options: a four-day workweek (8-hour days from Monday to Thursday) with Fridays off, or a reduced five-day week with a half-day on Friday. The program will run until September 12, 2025, and is designed to improve work-life balance and staff performance during the sweltering summer months.

Officials observed fewer sick days, higher engagement levels, and better time management when flexible scheduling was introduced. Encouraged by these results, Dubai has expanded the program with the hope of sustaining these gains during a longer three-month rollout.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announces the implementation of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. Aimed at enhancing work-life balance for government employees, the… pic.twitter.com/ORqI6PxhJ7

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 15, 2025

Aligning with global trends in workplace reform

Dubai’s initiative mirrors a growing global shift toward flexible work models. From Europe to parts of Asia, governments and private enterprises alike are exploring reduced-hour structures without compromising performance. Dubai’s leaders say this summer workweek reflects broader ambitions to create a modern, people-centric work culture, one that values output over presenteeism.

Private sector may soon follow

While this policy currently applies only to public sector workers, Dubai is encouraging private companies to adopt similar measures. Surveys conducted internally by the HR department reveal strong public support for such initiatives, particularly among young professionals and parents seeking to avoid peak heat and traffic. If successful, the initiative may become a summer tradition and possibly spark legislative reform in workweek structures.