Page 148 - DGHR PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/17/25, 4:04 PM Dubai Announces Flexible Working Hours - Dubai News
Here is how the model has been structured:

Group Work Schedule (Mon–Thurs) Friday Work Hours Weekend
Group 1 8 hours per day Off Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Group 2 7 hours per day 4.5 hours Saturday, Sunday

The initiative preserves the five-day workweek but allows Friday flexibility based on the group. Government entities have the autonomy
to assign employees into these groups depending on operational requirements, project needs, and employee suitability.

Unlike previous years where summer changes were limited to working hours, this model offers customization at the departmental level,
giving managers control while staying aligned with overarching government goals.

What Inspired the Policy and What Were the Results of the Previous Trial?

The decision to roll out this initiative more broadly stems from the successful outcomes of a 2024 pilot program, which ran from August
12 to September 30 and involved 21 government entities.

According to DGHR’s internal analytics, the trial achieved:

A 98% employee satisfaction rate
Notable improvements in team morale
A positive shift in productivity and punctuality
Healthier work environments with reduced burnout

Surveys conducted post-implementation showed a direct correlation between the new schedule and enhanced employee output,
especially among departments that previously had strict in-office routines.

In addition to internal benefits, the new system was seen to reduce congestion on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road during peak
morning and evening hours.

This improvement in urban flow was highlighted in a 2024 government survey, which argued in favor of remote and flexible hours as
tools for traffic decongestion.

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