Dubai has reintroduced its Flexible Summer work schedule for government employees.
Schedule options and employee benefits
The programme runs from June 29 to September 10 this year and presents two working models. Employees in the first group will put in seven hours each day from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday. The second group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday treated as a full day off. Most staff already enjoy a two‑and‑a‑half‑day weekend – a half‑day on Friday followed by Saturday and Sunday – and the new timetable extends that rest period.
Government departments may also adopt approved flexible hours or remote‑working arrangements, provided they meet operational needs. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) designed the model after studying staff feedback and aligning it with the emirate's Year of Family objectives for 2026. By freeing up afternoon time, the scheme aims to let workers spend more quality moments with their families while keeping public services running smoothly.
Supporting measures and compliance
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation introduced a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm daily between June 15 and September 15. The rule, now in its 22nd consecutive year, seeks to protect employees from extreme heat. Companies that breach the ban face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, rising to a maximum of Dh50,000 for multiple violations.
Compliance will be tracked through digital monitoring tools, field inspections and awareness campaigns. The combined effect of flexible hours and the midday work ban is expected to improve wellbeing, reinforce family bonds and sustain service delivery throughout the hot season.
