Dubai brings back the 4-day work week
Thousands of Dubai Government employees will enjoy greater flexibility at work this summer, with some eligible for a three-day weekend under the emirate’s renewed ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative starting on June 29.The program, launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, continues until September 10, and offers reduced working hours and flexible scheduling options aimed at enhancing employee well-being while ensuring uninterrupted government services.
Two models of flexible working
Under the Summer Initiative, government agencies can choose between two working arrangements based on operational needs. The first model allows employees to work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday and take Friday off, effectively creating a four-day work week.The second model requires employees to work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday, resulting in reduced working hours throughout the week.Government departments can also implement remote work options and flexible schedules where appropriate.
focus on Work-life balance
Officials said the initiative was developed after considering employee feedback and changing workplace expectations, especially during the summer months when family commitments increase.
The program aims to provide employees with more time for their families, improve overall well-being and strengthen social and family ties without compromising productivity or service delivery.According to the Dubai Government, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to create human-centered, future-ready workplaces that prioritize quality of life alongside organizational performance.
Employee well-being enhances productivity: formal
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said that the initiative proved that employee well-being and organizational performance go hand in hand.He said: “Our Flexible Summer initiative has proven that employee well-being and quality of life do not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, they are among the key enablers of organizational success and long-term sustainability.”Al Falasi added that the program reflects Dubai’s commitment to developing more flexible, attractive and future-ready government work environments while enhancing employee experience.
Third year of implementation
The 2026 program represents the third consecutive year of the Summer Resilience Initiative after similar plans were presented in 2024 and 2025.The move is part of a broader trend towards flexible working arrangements in the UAE. Sharjah adopted a four-day work week in 2022, while the federal government in the United Arab Emirates switched to a four-and-a-half-day work week in the same year.Globally, experiments with four-day work weeks have also gained momentum. A major UK pilot involving 61 companies reported improved employee wellbeing, lower stress levels, and strong support for continuing the model, with many companies adopting it permanently.Dubai officials say the latest initiative reinforces the emirate’s ambition to build a more flexible, adaptable and people-focused government while maintaining high levels of public service.
