The seething Dubai summer is getting a lot more comfortable for government employees in the emirate, as the authorities roll out a 4-day work week from July 1, 2025, to September 12, 2025 — this is the hottest period of the year in the United Arab Emirates, with daytime temperatures sometimes crossing 50ºC.
In December 2021, the UAE had become the first country in the world to adopt a four-and-a-half-day work week for its public sector employees. Private sector companies were free to follow this, if they wanted to. The change then came into effect from January 1, 2022.
This year, with early summer temperatures in the UAE having already topped 50ºC on a few days, the shorter work week will bring much-needed relief to the public sector. In addition to cutting short the work week, the Dubai Government has introduced a shift system, enabling flexi-time work for public sector employees.
A Khaleej Times report said: “Employees will be divided into two groups, with the first group expected to work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday. Meanwhile, the second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday.”
This system was piloted in Dubai last year, and data analysis showed improved output and employee satisfaction.
A media release from the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) said: “The results from the pilot phase of the initiative, implemented across 21 government entities in 2024, demonstrated enhanced productivity and improved work environments. Data also showed an increase in employee satisfaction and happiness, reaching up to 98 per cent, while assessments under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme highlighted clear improvements in the performance of participating entities.”
The release added: “His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative reflects the strategic direction of the Government of Dubai to place people at the heart of its policies.”
Al Falasi was quoted as saying: “This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community.”
