Dubai may once again implement its flexible summer working arrangement in 2026, following successful pilot programmes and expanded rollouts in recent years, as the emirate continues to explore reduced working hours during peak summer heat.
Every summer, when temperatures in Dubai rise above 40°C, discussions resurface about whether a standard five-day working week remains practical under extreme weather conditions.
From pilot project to wider adoption
In 2024, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) introduced a pilot initiative titled Our Summer is Flexible across 15 government entities. Employees were split into two groups one working compressed four-day weeks with Fridays off, and another working reduced daily hours across the week.
The pilot showed strong results, including:
- 87% improvement in timely task completion
- 96% improvement in customer service with no complaints reported
- 98% improvement in employee satisfaction
These outcomes were evaluated under the Dubai Government Excellence Programme.
Expansion in 2025
In 2025, the scheme was expanded across all Dubai government departments under the name Our Flexible Summer, running from July 1 to September 12. The model continued to alternate between four-day workweeks and shortened daily hours, including partial Friday schedules.
The initiative also aligned with broader national goals such as supporting families during school holidays and improving work-life balance under UAE policy frameworks.
Midday outdoor work ban continues
Alongside flexible office hours, the UAE continues its long-standing midday work ban for outdoor labour. The rule prohibits work in direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3 pm from June 15 to September 15 each year, enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Violations can result in fines of up to Dh50,000.
Will the four-day week return in 2026?
Although no official announcement has yet been made for 2026, the trend toward flexible working in the UAE suggests continuity. The federal government already follows a four-and-a-half-day workweek, while Sharjah has permanently adopted a four-day week.
Policy directions such as the UAE’s remote work studies and Dubai’s long-term quality-of-life strategy further support flexible scheduling models.
With 2026 designated as the UAE’s Year of the Family, expectations are growing that similar arrangements may continue for government employees during the summer months, though confirmation is still pending.
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