Dubai begins 4-day work week trial for 15 govt offices

Dubai has officially started implementing a four-day work week for government employees in 15 organisations starting August 12, 2024.

This four-day work week is a short trial featuring a reduced workday of seven hours, with Fridays off, and will conclude on September 30, 2024. The initiative is part of the pilot scheme 'Our Summer is Flexible' by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), aiming to improve performance and quality of life for employees in government offices that agreed to participate in the initiative via survey. 

By reducing working hours during the pilot of the four-day work week initiative in Dubai, the DGHR aims to enhance employee performance, work-life balance, and quality of life while fostering a flexible work environment, ensuring that the productivity of government offices is maintained. While employees will have the opportunity to enjoy leisure activities after work, energy consumption in government departments will also be reduced.

The initiative aligns with the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033,’ which aims to improve residents' well-being and make Dubai a top choice for long-term living and working. The authority will also assess the impact of the initiative on improving employee well-being by enhancing their social life and workplace safety during the summer months, once the trial period ends on September 30. 

During the launch of the four-day work week initiative, H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR Department, commented, “We are thrilled to announce that DGHR will be launching the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, in line with our long-standing efforts to nurture a flexible work environment that promotes the work-life balance of government employees, in accordance with best international practices. The launch will also further our vision to empower human resources by developing smart solutions and innovative policies to uplift Dubai’s competitiveness. 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.”

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Earlier this year, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) introduced new rules under the General Framework for Employment Patterns and Flexible Work Types, allowing remote work, a compressed four-day workweek with a 40-hour requirement, and a three-day weekend in the UAE's public sector. FAHR emphasised that this framework supports the region's strategy for managing future work needs while ensuring that federal entities can continue operating smoothly and adopt new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.