Dubai introduces flexible summer work model for government employees with two new schedules
New models support employees while maintaining public services
DUBAI – Government entities across Dubai have started implementing the 2026 edition of ‘Our Flexible Summer’, an initiative launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) to further develop flexible and human-centred workplace environments while enhancing the quality of life of government employees.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued focus on building future-ready workplaces where people remain central to development, with quality of life recognised as an important factor supporting productivity, innovation and sustainable institutional performance.
Running from 29 June to 10 September 2026, ‘Our Flexible Summer’ introduces two flexible working models that allow government entities to address employee needs while ensuring business continuity and maintaining high standards of government service delivery.
Flexible approach
The initiative was designed in response to the changing needs of government employees during the summer months and the growing importance of balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments.
Through employee feedback and assessments of workplace requirements, DGHR developed a flexible working framework that supports employees and their families while enabling government entities to continue operating efficiently.
Under the first working model, employees will work seven hours per day from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday. The second model allows employees to work eight hours per day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday observed as a day off.
Government entities can also apply approved flexible working hours and remote working arrangements based on operational requirements and the nature of their work. These options are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring government services continue without disruption.
The initiative represents DGHR’s efforts to transform employee feedback into practical policies and programmes that improve workplace experiences and contribute to the ongoing development of government work environments.
Quality of life
‘Our Flexible Summer’ highlights a workplace model that combines employee wellbeing with operational efficiency, demonstrating how flexible arrangements can support both staff needs and institutional objectives.
Beyond the workplace, the initiative enables employees to spend more quality time with their families during the summer period, contributing to stronger family connections and supporting wider social wellbeing.
The programme aligns with Dubai’s broader efforts to enhance quality of life and create a more connected and resilient society. It also supports the objectives of the ‘Year of Family’ by encouraging a balance between professional responsibilities, family priorities and social commitments.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said: “The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative has demonstrated that employee wellbeing and quality of life do not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, they are among the key enablers of institutional success and long-term sustainability.”
He added that the initiative reflects Dubai’s government model, which places people at the centre of development and recognises investment in talent and quality of life as essential to improving productivity, innovation and sustainable performance.
His Excellency further noted that the programme reinforces efforts to create more attractive, flexible and future-ready government workplaces that support Dubai’s competitiveness and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading destinations to live and work.
Future workplaces
The continued rollout of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ forms part of DGHR’s wider portfolio of policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the government employee experience and strengthening workplace readiness for future challenges and opportunities.
The initiative reflects DGHR’s commitment to developing innovative approaches that respond to workforce needs while supporting agile and sustainable government operations.