Dubai is bringing back flexible summer working hours for government employees starting July 1, running through September 12, 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), allows each government entity to decide how to implement the model internally.
Under the new schedule, employees will be split into two groups. One group will work eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Friday completely off. The second group will operate on a reduced schedule—seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday.
This isn’t the first time the flexible model has been trialed. A similar program last year across 21 government departments reportedly boosted productivity and morale. A DGHR analysis noted that 98 percent of surveyed employees reported increased satisfaction and a better work-life balance.
Alongside this move, the UAE has also activated its annual midday break policy, which prohibits outdoor work from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, from June 15 to September 15. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has begun site inspections, warning that violators may be fined up to AED 50,000 depending on the number of workers involved.
