Dubai’s flexible summer work hours help boost employees’ happiness level

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

Dubai’s government reported that its 2026 flexible summer working hours program received 98% employee satisfaction and maintained 97% productivity across 49 government entities and over 24,000 workers. The initiative demonstrates that flexible schedules can enhance employee well-being and sustain high-quality government services, with plans to further expand such models to build a more agile public sector.

Dubai’s government has reported strong positive results following the implementation of flexible working hours for employees during the summer months of 2026. According to a recent survey, 98 percent of participating employees expressed high levels of satisfaction with the new schedule, while 97 percent indicated that their productivity remained steady throughout the initiative, which is named ‘Our Flexible Summer.’

The initiative, rolled out in June by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), involved 49 government entities and over 24,000 workers. The program marks the second consecutive year this flexible working arrangement has been applied, reflecting a growing acceptance and confidence in its benefits after the initial launch.

Survey respondents also highlighted that government services continued to operate efficiently and maintain high quality, with 96 percent affirming the standard of service had not been compromised. Preliminary analysis suggests that the flexible working model successfully met its goals without disrupting workflow or customer service delivery.

Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, described the findings as evidence of Dubai’s modern approach to public sector work management. He noted that the strategy centers on empowering employees, enhancing their work-life balance, and strengthening institutional performance to meet future challenges. “The experience has proven that flexibility enhances performance rather than diminishing it,” Al Falasi said. He stressed that fostering flexibility offers employees greater opportunities for productivity and innovation, directly impacting the overall quality of government services.

The director general underscored that improving the work environment is part of a broader strategic effort aimed at sustainable government operations, rather than an isolated goal. He affirmed plans to continue developing flexible work models to support Dubai Government’s objectives of building a more agile and resilient workplace.

The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ 2026 initiative underscores the government’s ability to prioritize employee wellbeing while maintaining strong institutional outcomes. It has reportedly improved motivation, work-life balance, and fostered a culture of trust and empowerment across government offices. The program contributes to Dubai’s ongoing transformation of its public sector work environment, positioning the city as a leader in establishing future-ready government workplaces.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.