Ajman introduces new leaves, reduced working hours

The Government of Ajman has announced a sweeping overhaul of its public sector human resources framework, introducing new leave categories, reduced working hours and expanded employee benefits under a new law aimed at creating a more flexible and family-friendly workplace.

Issued under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, Law No. (4) of 2026 concerning Human Resources for the Government of Ajman will come into effect on September 1, 2026.

The legislation applies to all civilian employees working in Ajman government entities, including senior management where no separate provisions exist under other employment regulations.

The new law introduces several leave categories, including family care leave, self-employment or entrepreneurship leave, leave for Persons with Disabilities, and marriage leave.

It also grants reduced working hours for specific employee groups to support work-life balance and employee wellbeing. 

Employees with disabilities will be entitled to a two-hour reduction in daily working hours. Pregnant employees may also receive a two-hour reduction in cases of fatigue or exhaustion, subject to an approved medical report. Employees supporting five or more children under the age of 18 will be eligible for a one-hour reduction in daily working hours.

The statement reads: "Humaid bin Rashid issues new Human Resources Law to enhance government work efficiency, quality of life, and work-family balance. The law aims to:

• Develop the human resources system in the Government of Ajman
• Enhance the efficiency of government performance
• Create a flexible and motivating work environment based on competence, merit, and sustainability
• Support professional and family quality of life

Reduced working hours, new leave categories, and employee benefits in the Government of Ajman

Key new leave categories:

• Family care leave
• Leave for self-employment or entrepreneurship
• Leave for Persons with Disabilities
• Marriage leave

Employee benefits:

• Promotion of up to three job grades for exceptional talents and high-performing employees
• Introduction of a Good Service Award for Emirati employees

Reduced working hours:

• Employees with disabilities: two hours less per day
• Pregnant employees: two hours less per day in cases of fatigue or exhaustion, subject to an approved medical report
• Employees supporting five or more children under the age of 18: one hour less per day

The law will come into effect starting September 1, 2026."

The government said the law aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative, supporting family stability and reinforcing the role of families in community development.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, said the law reflects the vision of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi in placing people at the centre of development and building a modern and flexible government work environment.

“The new Human Resources Law embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, which places people at the heart of development and reflects his enduring commitment to building a modern and flexible government work environment that enhances quality of life and supports family stability,” Sheikh Ammar said.

He added that the legislation marks “a qualitative leap” in developing Ajman’s government sector by establishing an employment model that addresses both professional and family needs while supporting Ajman Vision 2030.

Alongside expanded leave policies, the law also introduces new career incentives aimed at improving government performance and strengthening employee motivation.

Exceptional talents and high-performing employees may now receive promotions of up to three job grades under the revised framework. A new Good Service Award has also been introduced for Emirati employees.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler’s Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs, said the legislation would contribute to a motivating and sustainable work environment that values employees and strengthens the competitiveness of government employment.

Rashid Abdulrahman Jebran Al Suwaidi, Director General of Ajman’s Human Resources Department, described the law as an integrated framework focused on efficiency, flexibility and sustainability while improving the quality of working life.

Under the legislation, Ajman Government Human Resources Department will oversee the review and updating of HR regulations, assess policy effectiveness, monitor implementation across government entities and provide technical support to ensure compliance.

The move reflects a broader trend across the UAE as governments continue updating public sector employment policies to improve productivity, attract talent and respond to evolving workforce expectations.