Dubai introduced a flexible work schedule for civil servants during the summer months, starting in June. According to the results of a recent survey, 98 percent of employees reported a high level of happiness, and 97 percent confirmed that their productivity remained at the same level under the 'Our Flexible Summer' 2026 initiative.
Furthermore, 96 percent of participants noted that the quality and efficiency of public services maintained a high standard. The data obtained indicates that the flexible work model achieved its goals without disrupting the workflow or customer service.
Preliminary results of this initiative, which has been conducted by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) for the second consecutive year, further confirm the success of Dubai's flexible work strategy. Forty-nine government entities and over 24,000 employees participated in the program this year. The growing adoption of reduced working hours reflects increased confidence in this model following the positive results of the first phase.
Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, CEO of DGHR, stated that the findings demonstrate Dubai's effective approach to creating a modern work ecosystem in the public sector. This approach aims to empower employees, improve quality of life, and strengthen institutional efficiency to meet future challenges.
Al Falasi emphasized: 'The experience has shown that flexibility increases productivity, rather than decreasing it. It provides employees with more opportunities for productivity and innovation, confirming that investments in people directly reflect on the quality of public services and institutional activity.'
He also noted that improving the work environment is a strategic investment in the future of public operations, not just a separate goal. 'We will continue to develop flexible work models that strengthen the readiness of the Dubai Government and support its vision of creating a more sustainable and flexible workplace,' added Al Falasi.
The initiative demonstrated the government's ability to combine employee well-being with institutional efficiency. It also contributed to improving work-life balance, increasing staff motivation, and fostering a culture of trust and empowerment across all government agencies. The success of the 'Our Flexible Summer' 2026 program marks another stage in the transformation of public work in Dubai, strengthening its status as a global model for adaptive, sustainable, and future-ready workplaces.
