In a bold move toward work-life balance, Dubai has officially rolled out a 4-day work week for public sector employees during the peak summer months of July 1 to September 12, 2025. The initiative, part of the “Our Flexible Summer” campaign, is designed to enhance employee wellness and productivity โ and it’s already making waves across the UAE and beyond.
Under the new structure, government workers have two options:
- Work four 8-hour days and enjoy Fridays off, or
- Work four 7-hour days and a shorter 4.5-hour shift on Friday.
The policy follows a successful pilot program launched in 2024, where employees reported improved morale, better time management, and increased satisfaction. The Director-General of Dubaiโs Human Resources Department, Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, noted that this summer plan reflects the cityโs forward-thinking approach to governance.
The 4-day week trend has been gaining momentum globally, with countries like Japan, Iceland, and the UK testing similar models. Dubaiโs move signals that the Gulfโs most progressive city is not just focused on economic growth โ but also on people-first policies.
Social media is abuzz with support, with hashtags like #Dubai4DayWeek and #WorkLifeBalance trending across platforms. Many are calling on private sector companies to follow suit.
Whether this becomes a permanent change remains to be seen โ but one thing is clear: Dubai is setting the benchmark for modern workplace innovation in the region.

๐ Tags:
Dubai 4 day week, UAE government summer hours, Dubai flexible work schedule, Dubai HR policy, work-life balance UAE, Dubai government news, summer office timing Dubai, Our Flexible Summer