UAE: Some Employees to Enjoy Flexible Work Hours as Back-to-School Policy is Announced

The designated hours will be established in a manner that does not interrupt the entity's work operations or the services it offers.

On Thursday, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources released a circular directed at all ministries and federal bodies concerning their back-to-school policy, approved by the UAE Cabinet. The objective is to enhance the well-being of employees and elevate their job contentment and overall happiness.

The policy offers flexibility to parents who are federal government employees, particularly on the first day of the new academic year and throughout the first week, especially for those with children attending nurseries and kindergartens.

The designated hours have been set without disrupting work processes or services provided by the entity and in accordance with the federal government's human resources law.

Here are the provisions of the back-to-school policy:

On the first school day (elementary level and above):

Employees are granted flexibility in attendance and departure on the first school day to accompany their children to and from school.
The flexibility duration doesn't exceed a total of 3 hours on the first school day.
The differing school start days according to the school's curriculum are considered.

Flexible working hours during the first week for nursery and kindergarten childcare:

Employees are granted flexibility during the first week of the school year to attend and leave for the purpose of taking their children to and from the nursery or home.
The flexibility duration doesn't exceed a total of 3 hours daily.

Flexible working hours for other occasions and circumstances related to the school year:

Employees may be granted permission for a duration of no more than 3 hours

To attend parent-teacher meetings at their children's schools.
To attend graduation events, occasions, and activities related to their children.

News Source: Khaleej Times