Dubai Expands Flexible Summer Hours for Govt Staff
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has expanded its ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, now covering all Dubai Government entities. Following the highly successful 2024 pilot phase, the program will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025. Government entities can implement the model based on their operational needs, aiming to foster work-life balance while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
Background of the Initiative
In 2024, Dubai launched the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative as a pilot across 21 government departments. The trial delivered outstanding results, improving employee morale, job satisfaction, and operational performance. Based on these outcomes, the Dubai Government decided to extend the program across all government entities, emphasizing its commitment to balancing institutional efficiency with employee well-being, showcasing Dubai’s progressive governance approach.
Structure of Flexible Summer Work Hours
The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ program offers two distinct schedules. One group works eight hours daily from Monday to Thursday, enjoying a full day off on Friday. The second group works seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday. This flexible structure maintains a five-day workweek while allowing employees more personal time to manage their responsibilities.
Positive Outcomes from the Pilot Phase
The pilot phase demonstrated the significant benefits of flexible work arrangements. Employee satisfaction and happiness reached 98%, reflecting high engagement and motivation levels. Additionally, evaluations by the Dubai Government Excellence Programme highlighted operational performance and service quality improvements, confirming the initiative’s strategic importance and justifying its broader implementation in 2025.
Alignment with the ‘Year of Community’
The expansion of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community,’ reflecting the government’s focus on family values and social cohesion. By providing employees with more quality time for their families, the initiative supports Dubai’s broader goal of fostering a resilient and united society, enhancing its strategic relevance for public and private sectors alike.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Support
Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Dubai’s people-centric governance. He described ‘Our Flexible Summer’ as a reflection of Dubai’s adaptive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being. Al Falasi noted that the 2025 expansion builds on 2024’s achievements, creating an advanced government system that balances efficiency with employee satisfaction.
Enhancing Government Services through Employee Well-being
Dubai’s government recognizes that employee well-being directly influences public service quality and efficiency. Introducing flexible summer work hours helps reduce stress and burnout, resulting in a more motivated workforce. This approach ensures higher service standards for Dubai’s residents, reinforcing the emirate’s global leadership in government excellence.
Supporting Institutional Efficiency and Sustainability
In addition to enhancing morale, the initiative supports institutional efficiency and sustainability. Lower office occupancy during peak summer months reduces energy consumption, contributing to Dubai’s environmental sustainability goals. The program also allows exploration of innovative work models that may inform future government policies and best practices.
Feedback from Employees and Departments
Employees who participated in the 2024 pilot phase shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many reported feeling recharged and more engaged, while department heads observed improvements in team collaboration, innovation, and overall performance. These benefits demonstrate the broad organizational value of flexible work arrangements.
Global Recognition and Benchmarking
The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative has earned international recognition, with governance experts viewing Dubai’s approach as a global benchmark. Dubai’s ability to combine operational efficiency with employee well-being offers a model that could inspire similar programs worldwide, reinforcing its leadership in public sector innovation.
Future Outlook and Potential Expansion
Looking ahead, Dubai may explore extending flexible work principles year-round. The success of the initiative could inspire broader discussions on permanent flexible work policies, aligning with global trends that prioritize adaptive and employee-focused workplaces. Such measures would further solidify Dubai’s position as a leading public sector employer.
Policy Development and Government Support
The implementation of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ reflects Dubai’s proactive, data-driven policy development. Through extensive pilot testing, data collection, and employee engagement, the government ensured the program’s practicality and effectiveness. This evidence-based approach demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to responsible governance and continuous improvement.
Cultural and Social Impact
Beyond workplace benefits, ‘Our Flexible Summer’ offers long-term cultural and social advantages. Increased family time strengthens familial bonds, essential to Dubai’s social fabric. The initiative also fosters a culture of flexibility, empathy, and understanding within government institutions, setting a positive example for the wider community.
Leadership Endorsements and Public Messaging
The Dubai Government actively promotes ‘Our Flexible Summer’ through comprehensive public messaging campaigns. Senior officials consistently endorse the program, emphasizing employee well-being as a cornerstone of effective governance. These endorsements play a key role in building public awareness and broad support.
Lessons Learned from the Pilot Phase
The 2024 pilot phase provided valuable insights for successful implementation. Key lessons included the importance of clear communication, managerial training, and incorporating employee feedback. These insights informed the 2025 expansion, ensuring a seamless rollout across all government entities.
Public Sector Innovation in Dubai
The expansion of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ highlights Dubai’s commitment to public sector innovation. By continually adopting advanced practices, Dubai enhances government operations while prioritizing the well-being of residents and employees, cementing its global leadership in governance and administration.
Broader Implications for Work-Life Balance
The success of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ contributes to the global dialogue on work-life balance and flexible work models. As organizations worldwide seek solutions for employee well-being and productivity, Dubai offers a compelling example of how flexibility and efficiency can coexist, benefiting both employees and institutions.
Community and Family-Centric Governance
Aligning with the ‘Year of Community,’ Dubai emphasizes the government’s role in supporting family life and social cohesion. ‘Our Flexible Summer’ represents the government’s broader mission to foster a supportive, cohesive community, integrating social well-being into policy-making and setting a model for others to follow.
