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Dubai Adopts Four-Day Work Week for Public Sector Workers
Dubai has officially announced a new initiative allowing public sector employees to enjoy a four-day work week along with reduced hours. This initiative, dubbed ‘Our Flexible Summer,’ aims to enhance work-life balance, aligning Dubai with a growing trend observed in many cities around the world, including Australia.
Overview of the Initiative
Running from July 1 to September 12, 2025, this temporary adjustment follows a successful pilot run in 2024 that demonstrated notable improvements in both productivity and employee satisfaction. Public sector employees will be divided into two groups:
- Group One: Works eight hours from Monday to Thursday and takes Friday off.
- Group Two: Works seven hours from Monday to Thursday and four-and-a-half hours on Friday.
The Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, highlighted the aim of this policy as a balance between institutional efficiency and workers’ well-being. He stated, “This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community.”
Although this new policy is limited to public sector workers, there are discussions within the Dubai and UAE governments advocating for similar flexible work arrangements in the private sector.
Global Trends and Local Adaptations
This move follows similar trends observed in cities worldwide. In April, Tokyo initiated a four-day work week for its metropolitan government employees to address low fertility rates. In the UK, over 200 companies from various sectors, including charities and tech firms, have made this model a permanent feature following successful trials facilitated by the 4 Day Week Foundation.
High-profile Australian companies, including Medibank and Bunnings, have also explored this innovative working arrangement. Many businesses opt for a 100:80:100 model, wherein employees receive full pay while working just 80% of the hours, provided they maintain 100% productivity levels.
Christian Miran, Chief Disruptor at Thrive Nation and a former leader of Medibank’s four-day work week trial, expressed confidence in Australia’s readiness for this shift. “Australia is really prime for this now. This is the next wave of understanding of how we could be more productive,” he remarked.
Research Insights
Research conducted by Swinburne University of Technology examined 10 Australian companies that embraced the 100:80:100 model and uncovered positive outcomes for both employers and employees. Workers reported enhanced work-life balance and more opportunities for personal pursuits, while employers noted increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and effective recruitment and retention strategies.
However, some concerns regarding productivity maintenance and potential implementation costs remain.
Conclusion
Dubai’s initiative reflects a significant shift in workplace culture, reinforcing the importance of work-life balance. As various cities adopt similar measures, the conversation around flexible work hours is more relevant than ever. With growing evidence supporting the benefits of a shorter work week, more companies worldwide may follow suit in the quest for enhanced productivity and employee wellness.
For those interested in sharing their experiences with the four-day work week, a call for stories has been made to contact Tamika Seeto at the provided email address.
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