Dubai government to slash summer working hours with Fridays off

Authorities in Dubai have announced a pilot project to reduce working hours for government entities this summer.

Running from August 12 to September 30, 2024, the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative will see work hours at the 15 participating entities cut to seven hours a day, and work suspended on Fridays.

This move aims to improve employee well-being and work-life balance, supporting the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

It's part of Dubai’s broader goal to enhance quality of life and strengthen its status as a top city for living and working.

.@dghr_gov announces the launch of the pilot initiative 'Our Flexible Summer', which aims to reduce the working hours of participating government entities during the summer. 15 government entities are participating in the pilot stage of the initiative, aiming to enhance workplace… pic.twitter.com/JTyFy1vpyO

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 7, 2024

In preparation for the launch, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) conducted a survey to understand the opinions of various government entities and their willingness to reduce working hours during summer.

The DGHR said that the initiative will empower employees to engage in leisure activities after work and reduce energy consumption within government departments.

It will also regularly assess the feedback received to create a final report summarising the initiative’s outcomes, the department’s recommendations, and its adaptability to various government entities.