UAE federal employees get flexible hours under 2026–27 ‘Back to School’ policy

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has introduced flexible working arrangements for federal government employees to help them support their children as the new 2026–2027 academic year begins.

Under Circular No. 12 of 2026, issued on 25 August, employees across ministries and federal entities will be allowed flexibility in reporting to and leaving work on their children’s first school day to accompany them to and from school or home.

The flexibility will be limited to a total of three hours on the first school day. Federal entities are required to take into account different school start dates based on the curricula prescribed by the relevant authorities.

Employees will need to follow the internal regulations applicable to their federal entity and obtain approval from their direct manager.

The policy also provides flexibility during the first week of the academic year for employees with children attending nurseries and kindergartens. They may adjust their working hours to accompany their children to and from the nursery or home, with the flexibility capped at three hours across the first week.

As with school-going children, the arrangements will take different nursery and kindergarten start dates into consideration and remain subject to the relevant entity’s regulations and direct-manager approval.

FAHR has also directed federal entities to establish internal arrangements allowing employees to support their school-going children on other occasions related to the academic year, provided these arrangements do not disrupt business continuity or conflict with the Federal Government Human Resources Law.

Employees may be granted up to three hours to attend parent meetings at their children’s schools in line with the Parents’ Councils Regulation. The same three-hour allowance may be granted for graduation ceremonies and other special occasions and activities involving their children.

The policy forms part of the UAE government’s efforts to provide greater flexibility for federal employees while supporting family responsibilities and maintaining continuity of government operations.

FAHR said it remains available to support federal entities with the implementation of the policy and related provisions.