Dubai summer hours: 4-day working week and reduced hours for public sector
Dubai has introduced a four-day working week and reduced hours for public sector workers.
It follows a successful initial trial scheme first introduced in 2024 for those working for government entities.
Set to begin on Tuesday July 1, the 2025 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative will run until Friday September 12.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has implemented a reduced summer schedule to allow workers a greater work-life balance.
The pilot phase of the initiative was implemented across 21 government entities in Dubai and was found to improve overall employee satisfaction and happiness among workers, in addition to enhanced productivity and an improved work environment.
The trial expands on last year's trial period, which ran from August until the end of September and was only applicable to 15 different government entities.
Dubai summer working hours explained
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
Government employees across 21 entities will be divided into two different groups. The working hours will align with the official five-day week for the public sector.
The first group will work eight-hour days from Monday until Thursday and get Friday off. And the second group will work seven-hour days from Monday until Thursday, and work for four-and-a-half hours on Friday.
The expanded initiative aligns with the ongoing 'Year of Community' in the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai summer working schedule aims to boost employee satisfaction and productivity while also strengthening family ties during the seasonal school break.
There will be a reduced working schedule during the Dubai summer (Credit: Adobe Express)
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the initiative builds on the successes of last year's pilot phase.
He said: '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.
'The implementation of this year's expanded edition, builds on the successful outcomes of the 2024 pilot phase. It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at developing an advanced government system that balances institutional efficiency with human well-being.
'This supports Dubai's aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services.'
Remote work in the UAE has been strongly argued in favour for in a government white paper (Credit: Canva)
A similar policy is not in place for private sector workers, but there have been calls from the Dubai and UAE governments to introduce more remote working and flexible hours across the board.
A Dubai government survey released in November 2024 found that flexible hours and remote work would significantly reduce road traffic at peak hours on Dubai's busiest roads.
And a UAE government white paper released in January outlined the many benefits of a flexible remote working policy for private and public entities in the country.
Things to do in Dubai
Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't)
Get that sweet tooth satisfied
50 free things to do in Dubai
You won't believe what you can do
47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE
For you and the little ones
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Dubai
12 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai summer hours: 4-day working week and reduced hours for public sector
Dubai has introduced a four-day working week and reduced hours for public sector workers. It follows a successful initial trial scheme first introduced in 2024 for those working for government entities. Set to begin on Tuesday July 1, the 2025 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative will run until Friday September 12. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has implemented a reduced summer schedule to allow workers a greater work-life balance. The pilot phase of the initiative was implemented across 21 government entities in Dubai and was found to improve overall employee satisfaction and happiness among workers, in addition to enhanced productivity and an improved work environment. The trial expands on last year's trial period, which ran from August until the end of September and was only applicable to 15 different government entities. Dubai summer working hours explained 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… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 15, 2025 Government employees across 21 entities will be divided into two different groups. The working hours will align with the official five-day week for the public sector. The first group will work eight-hour days from Monday until Thursday and get Friday off. And the second group will work seven-hour days from Monday until Thursday, and work for four-and-a-half hours on Friday. The expanded initiative aligns with the ongoing 'Year of Community' in the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai summer working schedule aims to boost employee satisfaction and productivity while also strengthening family ties during the seasonal school break. There will be a reduced working schedule during the Dubai summer (Credit: Adobe Express) Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the initiative builds on the successes of last year's pilot phase. He said: '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. 'The implementation of this year's expanded edition, builds on the successful outcomes of the 2024 pilot phase. It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at developing an advanced government system that balances institutional efficiency with human well-being. 'This supports Dubai's aspirations to lead in delivering flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services.' Remote work in the UAE has been strongly argued in favour for in a government white paper (Credit: Canva) A similar policy is not in place for private sector workers, but there have been calls from the Dubai and UAE governments to introduce more remote working and flexible hours across the board. A Dubai government survey released in November 2024 found that flexible hours and remote work would significantly reduce road traffic at peak hours on Dubai's busiest roads. And a UAE government white paper released in January outlined the many benefits of a flexible remote working policy for private and public entities in the country. Things to do in Dubai Where to get the viral FIX chocolate in Dubai (or the best dupes if you can't) Get that sweet tooth satisfied 50 free things to do in Dubai You won't believe what you can do 47 brilliant family-friendly days out in the UAE For you and the little ones
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
World's tallest train station to open as part of new mega £3.6billion rail route expansion
The record-breaking expansion is set to open in 2029 PLATFORM PEAK World's tallest train station to open as part of new mega £3.6billion rail route expansion Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE WORLD'S tallest train station is set to be built as part of a £3.6 billion rail route expansion project. Dubai's new Metro Blue Line includes plans for a 74 metre high station - the tallest in the world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The £3.6 billion expansion includes a 74 metre high station Credit: Dubai Media Office 3 Work on the Dubai Metro Blue Line is set to finish in 2029 Credit: Dubai Media Office 3 The Dubai Creek Harbour station will be named after developer Emaar Properties Credit: Dubai Media Office The expansive project is set to create better transport links across the country, helping both residents and tourists navigate the area more easily. It is expected that 200,000 passengers will use the system every day by 2030, rising to 320,000 by 2040. Work is already underway and is set to finish in 2029 - on the 20th anniversary of Dubai's Metro system. It is set to cost around Dh18 billion, equivalent to around £3.6 billion. The new system will feature two routes - one 21km and the other 9km. Perhaps the most impressive part of the new development is the station at Dubai Creek Harbour - set to be the "highest metro station in the world" at 74 metres. The station's architecture will be in-keeping with the rest of Dubai's iconic buildings, with the American architects behind the Burj Khalifa designing the new transport hub. Its exterior is said to be inspired by the shape of a seashell, while its interior reflects themes like heritage, earth, air, fire and water. The design was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in June of this year. On Monday June 9, the Sheikh laid the first foundation stone for the "architectural icon". I fled the UK for sunny Dubai - life back home is miserable & no-one has any cash Developer Emaar Properties is set to retain the naming rights of the skyscraper station for at least the first decade. Other stations on the line are expected to be named after brands - a common practice on the Dubai Metro. The Dubai Metro Blue Line will add 14 brand new stations to the city's rail network. It brings the total to 78 stations, with 67 of these serving the Dubai Metro. Each station will include public bus bays, taxi stands, bike areas, electric scooter racks, and disabled parking bays for those with people of determination status. Nine of these stations will be above ground, while five will be underground, although exact plans for which stations will be where are yet to be confirmed. The International City station is set to be the only station to serve multiple lines, with a 44,000 square metre interchange station. In a bid to improve the city's transport links, the government previously announced their plan to have 140 stations by 2040. It will include better connections between Dubai International Airport and nine of the city's key areas, with a travel time from 10 to 25 minutes between these hubs. The new station will join a long list of record-breaking stations around the world. This includes the largest station by number of platforms: Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Containing 44 platforms, the station serves approximately 660 trains carrying 125,000 commuters per day. Another record-breaking station is Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, which is the world's busiest station. Used by an average of 2.7 million people per day, it joined the Guinness World Records in 2022 and officially became the world's busiest station.
Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
6 facts you need to know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line
Work is finally underway on the Dubai Metro Blue Line – one of the biggest public transport projects in the emirate. The Blue Line will provide greater transport links for several busy residential neighbourhoods and allow visitors to explore Dubai more easily. Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 200,000 per day by 2030, rising to 320,000 per day by 2040 as Dubai continues to grow. The new line will consist of two routes – one 21km route and a smaller 9km route – and is scheduled to be completed on the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro in 2029. The Blue Line will have the world's tallest metro station Emaar Properties Station will be the world's tallest metro station (Credit: Dubai Media Office) In June, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai approved the design of the 'iconic' Emaar Properties Station on the Blue Line. The station, which will serve Dubai Creek Harbour, has been described as the 'highest metro station in the world' as it will stand at 74 metres tall. It was designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which is the same studio behind the Burj Khalifa. The exterior design was inspired by the shape of a seashell, and the interior reflects thematic models like heritage, earth, air, fire and water. More Dubai Metro stations will be named after brands (Credit: Dubai Media Office) When the design was approved for the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour, it was revealed that the property developer would hold the naming rights for at least the first decade of operations. It will be the first but not the last station to be named after a brand on the Blue Line. In the next phase of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, the RTA will announce naming rights for other stations along the Blue Line. It is common for Dubai Metro stations to be named after brands, so you'll need to check ahead when planning any trips. Once completed, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations Dubai Metro expansion plans have been announced (Credit: Dubai Media Office) With the addition of 14 brand new stations on the Blue Line, the Dubai Metro and Tram will have 78 stations. This will be an increase from 64 to 78 stations, with 67 of these serving the Dubai Metro. In 2024, the Dubai Government revealed that the Dubai Metro will have 140 stations by 2040. Currently, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is the only additional line that has been announced. Journey times will be up to 25 minutes The Dubai Metro Blue Line will have a direct link to Dubai International Airport (Credit: DXB) The new line will offer direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas once completed. Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City will all have a faster route to DXB. And the RTA says that travel time along the route will range from 10 minutes to 25 minutes, allowing more people to get to the airport in a flash. There will be 9 stations above ground and 5 underground Plans for a Dubai Metro Blue Line Station have been revealed (Credit: Dubai Media Office) The Blue Line will span 30km and consist of 14 stations – nine above ground and five underground. Exact plans for which stations will be on the surface and which will be underground have not been fully revealed. We do know that it will be home to the largest underground interchange station in the Dubai Metro network, spanning over 44,000 square metres, and that International City is the only announced interchange station on the line. Stations along the Blue Line will include public bus bays, taxi stands, dedicated areas for bike and electric scooter racks and parking spaces for people of determination. International City will have 3 stations The new route provides a better connection to Dragon Mart in International City (Credit: Supplied) One of the areas to benefit the most from the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be International City. There will be three stations based in International City, including one underground interchange station allowing for greater connectivity across the existing Metro lines. All three stations will be included on the bigger 21km route. The area is home to Dragon Mart and is visited by more than 200,000 residents and visitors. More Dubai Metro Blue Line news Dubai reveals plans for world's tallest metro station Here's what it means for your commute Dubai confirms a Blue Line Metro station name And more details you need to know Dubai Metro Blue Line: 14 station locations revealed What to expect when the route arrives
