Dubai government entities have begun adopting the 2026 edition of 'Our Flexible Summer', a workplace initiative by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) designed to help employees balance professional responsibilities with family life during the summer months.
Running from 29 June to 10 September 2026, the programme introduces two working models. The first has employees working seven hours daily from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday. The second runs eight hours Monday to Thursday, with Friday as a full day off. Entities may also apply approved flexible and remote working arrangements based on operational needs.
DGHR developed the initiative in response to employee feedback around the challenges of summer workloads and family commitments. The department says the model is built to maintain service continuity and high standards of government delivery while improving the overall employee experience.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said employee wellbeing and quality of life are not at odds with performance but are in fact key drivers of institutional success. He added that the initiative supports Dubai's broader goal of building flexible, people-centred government workplaces that strengthen the emirate's appeal as a place to live and work.
Beyond productivity, the initiative aims to give employees more quality time with their families during the summer period, supporting social cohesion and overall wellbeing.
The programme is aligned with the objectives of the UAE's 'Year of Family' and forms part of DGHR's wider effort to modernise government work environments and position Dubai as a global model for human-centred governance.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
