Page 168 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2024

Dubai trialing four-day work week, reduced

hours for govt employees during summer

• Dubai

Jennifer Bell, Al Arabiya English

Published: 08 August ,2024: 08:22 AM GSTUpdated: 08 August ,2024: 08:51 AM GST
Dubai is trialing a pilot scheme to reduce the working hours of some government employees
during the hot summer months, which will see workers work a four-day week and a reduced
seven-hour working day.
The pilot scheme will begin on August 12 to September 30 and will involve 15 Dubai
government organizations, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR)
announced via state news agency WAM.
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The scheme – dubbed ‘Our Flexible Summer' – aims to enhance workplace flexibility by cutting
two hours off the traditional nine-hour working day and suspending work on Fridays.

“The initiative (is) seeking to elevate employee wellbeing by enhancing their social life and
workplace safety during the summer period for better work-life balance,” a statement carried by
WAM said.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed al-Falasi, Director-General of DGHR Department, added: “The initiative
aims to enhance employees’ quality of life and promote sustainable use of government
resources, positioning Dubai as the ideal city for a superior lifestyle.”

In preparation for the launch, DGHR conducted a survey to understand the opinions of various
government entities and their willingness to reduce working hours during summer. It garnered
“exceptional support’, it said.

The initiative also aims to “empower employees to engage in leisure activities after work and
reduce energy consumption within government departments,” according to DGHR.
In 2022, neighboring emirate Sharjah implemented a four-day working week.

Across the wider UAE, the government has implemented its annual mandatory midday breaks,
prohibiting work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces across the UAE between 12:30
p.m. and 3 p.m. from June 15 to September 15 for many outdoor workers.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2024/08/08/dubai-trialing-four-day-work-week-reduced-
hours-for-govt-employees-during-summer