Expanded Programme Follows Successful 2024 Pilot, Offering Flexible Schedules from July to September to Enhance Employee Well-being and Productivity
In a landmark move to prioritize employee well-being and enhance workplace efficiency, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has officially announced the launch of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative across all Dubai Government entities. The programme, which runs from July 1 to September 12, 2025, aims to support work-life balance and promote a human-centric work culture, following the resounding success of its pilot phase in 2024.
Under the new initiative, government employees will be given the option to follow one of two flexible schedules, both aligned with the UAE’s official five-day work week.
- The first schedule allows employees to work eight hours daily from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off.
- The second schedule offers a more traditional structure, with seven-hour workdays from Monday to Thursday, and a 4.5-hour workday on Friday.
The decision to implement either schedule rests with individual government entities, allowing them to tailor the initiative to their unique operational needs.
Strong Results from the 2024 Pilot
The 2024 pilot phase, involving 21 government departments, yielded impressive results. Employee satisfaction reached up to 98 percent, with significant improvements in workplace morale, productivity, and overall departmental performance. These outcomes were corroborated by evaluations conducted as part of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, highlighting the initiative’s effectiveness.
The programme is also aligned with Dubai’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, underscoring a city-wide effort to strengthen family and social bonds through progressive, people-first governance.
A Strategic Shift Toward Human-Centric Governance
His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, emphasized that ‘Our Flexible Summer’ is a cornerstone of Dubai’s broader strategic vision.
“This initiative reflects our strategic direction to place people at the core of government policy,” Al Falasi stated. “It builds on the strong outcomes of last year’s pilot and supports the creation of a government system that harmonizes institutional efficiency with human well-being.”
Al Falasi further noted that Dubai aims to set a regional benchmark in offering flexible, sustainable, and people-first public services, helping employees maintain both professional performance and personal wellness.
As the city continues to reimagine the future of work, the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative serves as a model of forward-thinking policy—ensuring that government entities lead the way in championing modern, employee-centric workplace solutions.
