Dubai government entities have begun implementing the “Our Flexible Summer” initiative for 2026, launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, in a step that reflects the emirate’s commitment to building a more flexible government work environment that supports productivity, quality of life, and future readiness.
The initiative will run from June 29 to September 10, 2026, through two flexible working-hour models. These models allow government entities to balance employees’ needs with business requirements, while ensuring the continuity and efficiency of government services.
Under the initiative, the first group will work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday, and four and a half hours on Friday. The second group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday as a day off. Government entities may also apply flexible working hours or approved remote work systems, in line with the nature of their work and operational needs.
The “Our Flexible Summer” initiative comes in response to the needs of government employees during the summer months, a period that usually brings increased family commitments, especially during school holidays. By studying these needs and listening to employees’ feedback, a work model was developed to take into account the circumstances of employees and their families, while maintaining workflow and supporting the operational goals of government entities.
The initiative reflects the Dubai Government Human Resources Department’s approach to turning ideas and proposals into practical policies that can be applied in the workplace. It also contributes to improving the government employee experience and developing a work environment that supports balance between professional duties and family and social responsibilities.
The department first piloted the “Our Flexible Summer” initiative in the summer of 2024, before expanding it across Dubai government entities in the summer of 2025, following the positive results it achieved and the strong response it received from employees and government entities.
The initiative confirms that supporting employees’ quality of life and wellbeing can go hand in hand with efficient performance and high-quality services. This is especially important as the Dubai Government continues to develop flexible work models that respond to the social needs of employees and families, while helping government entities deliver their services efficiently and effectively.
On a social level, the initiative gives employees more time with their families during the summer period. This helps strengthen family ties and supports community cohesion, in line with Dubai’s efforts to build a more connected and stable society and to promote quality of life as one of the main pillars of sustainable development.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the “Our Flexible Summer” initiative has proven that quality of life and employee wellbeing do not conflict with performance efficiency. Rather, they represent an important factor in institutional success and sustainable performance. He added that the initiative reflects Dubai’s direction toward building a more flexible, human-centered government work environment that enhances the employee experience and supports the readiness of government entities for the future.
The initiative falls within the Dubai Government’s efforts to enhance quality of work life and strengthen the balance between professional, family, and social life. It also supports the goals of the “Year of the Family” and contributes to the sustainability of institutional performance and the quality of government services.
The continued implementation of “Our Flexible Summer” confirms the commitment of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department to developing innovative policies and initiatives that respond to employees’ needs. It also supports the creation of more flexible and sustainable government work environments, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for human-centered government work.
