Ajman Implements Remote Work Fridays for Government Employees

Ajman’s government has unveiled a progressive summer initiative aimed at enhancing employee well-being, increasing institutional efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. During a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council, chaired by Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Council, several initiatives were approved—chief among them the launch of the “Our Balanced Summer” programme.

This forward-thinking initiative introduces a 100% remote work system for all Ajman government entities every Friday, effective from July 1 to August 22, 2025. In addition, it mandates reduced office hours from Monday to Thursday, with new working hours set from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This innovative approach reflects a growing global trend toward hybrid and flexible work arrangements, which gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since been adopted by many forward-looking governments and institutions around the world.

Improving Work-Life Balance Without Compromising Government Services

The central objective of the “Our Balanced Summer” programme is to create a flexible and inclusive work culture that enhances employee satisfaction while ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery. By adopting a structured remote work schedule, Ajman authorities aim to promote better work-life balance and institutional performance.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader focus on human development and well-being. The UAE Federal Government has already implemented similar flexibility, with federal entities previously observing a half-day or remote system on Fridays. Ajman is now expanding on this by committing to a full day of remote work across its government entities.

Flexible internal arrangements will ensure that core services continue without interruption, enabling government departments to transition smoothly into the new working format. The restructuring also empowers departments to harness technology and remote collaboration tools more effectively, laying a foundation for smarter governance.

Sheikh Ammar Highlights Human-Centric Governance Philosophy

Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasized that this initiative stems from a fundamental belief in prioritizing human well-being. Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the emirate continues to place people at the core of its development journey.

He noted that a stable, fulfilled workforce contributes significantly to government innovation and national advancement. Supporting employees’ physical and mental well-being not only improves performance but also strengthens their families, the bedrock of any progressive society.

His remarks echo wider national strategies like the UAE’s National Wellbeing Strategy 2031, which focuses on creating a healthy, productive, and engaged society through supportive public policies and modern work culture transformations.

Environmental Sustainability Through Reduced Commutes

In addition to social benefits, the “Our Balanced Summer” initiative is expected to generate environmental gains. With fewer employees commuting on Fridays and shortened working hours during the week, traffic congestion and transportation-related emissions are anticipated to decline significantly.

This supports Ajman Vision 2030, which seeks to build a resilient, balanced, and sustainable urban environment. It also aligns with the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a national target announced in 2021 as part of the country’s green growth strategy.

By incorporating environmental considerations into internal governance structures, Ajman is setting an example of how local governments can support climate action through administrative innovation.

Performance Monitoring and Impact Assessment

To ensure the programme’s effectiveness, the Human Resources Department of Ajman, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council, will manage its implementation. Operational models tailored to different entities will be developed to ensure smooth rollout and consistency in application.

A comprehensive evaluation report will be submitted by the end of September 2025, measuring key performance indicators such as:

Service delivery efficiency, Employee satisfaction, Community feedback, Institutional productivity.

These metrics will help determine whether the programme can be extended or adapted for long-term integration into the emirate’s governance model.

Deepening Global Partnerships: China-Ajman Collaboration Strengthens

Beyond internal reforms, the Ajman Executive Council also reviewed the outcomes of an official visit to Chongqing Municipality, China, led by Sheikh Ammar. The visit laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral cooperation, particularly in innovation-driven sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, vocational education, logistics, and clean technologies.

The Council recommended quarterly coordination meetings with Chinese counterparts throughout 2025 to sustain momentum. These regular engagements will foster institutional ties, open new commercial channels, and promote knowledge exchange in high-impact sectors.

Ajman is also planning to host a Chinese delegation as part of a curated visit showcasing the emirate’s strengths in urban planning, cultural heritage, and regulatory governance. This strategy is designed to attract foreign direct investment aligned with Ajman’s long-term developmental priorities under Vision 2030.

Ajman Offers Incentives to Global Investors

In a competitive global investment landscape, Ajman aims to position itself as a business-friendly destination by offering tailored incentive packages to strategic investors. These incentives may include fast-track licensing, infrastructure support, and access to economic zones for sectors such as:

Smart device manufacturing, Medical equipment production, Light industry, Supply chain logistics, Technical education and training

These efforts are aligned with the UAE’s broader strategy of economic diversification, moving away from oil dependency and investing in knowledge-based industries.

Ajman Learns: A New Vision for Lifelong Education

In another major development, the Executive Council approved the launch of the “Ajman Learns” project—an ambitious initiative aimed at turning Ajman into a regional hub of knowledge, innovation, and lifelong learning.

The project is grounded in the belief that investing in human capital through continuous education is essential for sustainable development. Robust governance and monitoring frameworks will be introduced to ensure measurable progress toward educational excellence and workforce readiness.

Sheikh Ammar reiterated that this initiative supports the directives of His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, who has long advocated for prioritizing education as a national development tool. It reflects a shared understanding that knowledge and innovation will define the future economic landscape.

Accreditation for Vocational Training to Match Market Needs

As part of this educational overhaul, the Council also directed the creation of a new accreditation system for technical and vocational training centers. This framework will help align training outcomes with actual labor market requirements, ensuring that institutions produce skilled, job-ready graduates.

The move comes at a time when many global economies, including the UAE, are placing greater emphasis on technical and vocational education (TVET) as an alternative to traditional university paths. The success of these programs will play a vital role in closing skill gaps in rapidly evolving sectors like AI, robotics, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Ajman’s emphasis on quality assurance in TVET education will support local economic growth while helping youth access meaningful employment opportunities.

Ajman Builds a Model of Balanced Governance

Ajman’s Executive Council has made a series of informed, people-centric decisions that collectively represent a modern and strategic approach to governance. From remote work reforms that promote employee happiness and environmental sustainability, to education-focused policies that equip citizens for future challenges, the emirate is aligning its short-term actions with long-term visions.

Through its collaboration with international partners and emphasis on inclusive development, Ajman continues to evolve as a hub of innovation, well-being, and sustainability. Its governance model—grounded in flexibility, foresight, and a commitment to public service—offers valuable insights for other regions navigating the complexities of the modern world.

As Ajman advances toward Vision 2030, these initiatives underscore the emirate’s dedication to creating a resilient and future-ready society where human potential, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity converge.