In a groundbreaking move, Dubai has joined the growing number of cities worldwide embracing the four-day work week. Starting July 1, 2025, public sector workers in the city will transition to shorter work hours, part of an initiative designed to improve work-life balance and increase productivity. This announcement follows a successful trial program in 2024, which indicated that a reduced workweek could benefit both employees and employers.
The move comes amid a broader global trend, with several countries and companies already experimenting with shorter work weeks to improve employee satisfaction and work efficiency. As Dubai adapts to these new working arrangements, the shift is expected to influence other regions considering similar changes to their labor structures.
Dubai’s “Our Flexible Summer” Initiative
Dubai’s decision to implement the four-day workweek is part of its “Our Flexible Summer” initiative, aimed at reducing stress on government employees during the hotter summer months. The program will run from July 1 to September 12, 2025, and marks a significant policy shift for the city’s public sector.
Under the new structure, employees will be divided into two groups. The first group will work eight-hour days from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off. The second group will work seven hours per day, Monday to Thursday, and an additional four-and-a-half hours on Friday. This flexible arrangement is intended to give employees more time to rest while maintaining essential services and operations.
The Global Momentum for Shorter Workweeks
Dubai’s move is not isolated. Several countries, including Japan and the United Kingdom, have experimented with shorter work weeks, citing improvements in worker wellbeing and productivity. In April 2025, Tokyo introduced a similar policy for government workers to help address Japan’s low fertility rates. Meanwhile, more than 200 companies across the UK have adopted the four-day work week model after successful trials.
In Australia, businesses such as Medibank and Bunnings have also piloted the change. Christian Miran, a leading disruptor in the Australian work culture, expressed that companies are “ready” for the shift, indicating that the four-day workweek is gaining traction in the region. The model, known as 100:80:100, allows employees to retain their full salary while working 80% of the usual hours and maintaining 100% productivity.
Dubai announces four-day work week as trend takes off in Australia: ‘Ready’ https://t.co/brT8GgqKwN
— Yahoo Finance Australia (@YahooFinanceAU) June 27, 2025
Benefits and Challenges of The Four-Day Work Week
The adoption of a four-day work week is often praised for its potential to enhance employee satisfaction and boost overall productivity. Research from Dubai’s 2024 pilot program showed significant improvements in both areas. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of Dubai’s Government Human Resources Department, emphasized that the initiative aims to balance efficiency with employee wellbeing, making the government workplace more adaptable to employee needs.
However, the shift is not without its challenges. Critics argue that while the shorter workweek might work in the public sector, its implementation in the private sector could be more difficult. Concerns about potential disruptions to services and the impact on customer-facing businesses remain significant.
While the four-day work week will only apply to the public sector in Dubai, the government has hinted at expanding the model to private businesses. Additionally, there have been calls for broader adoption of remote and flexible working hours across all sectors. The shift toward flexible work schedules has already gained popularity in many countries, and it’s likely that more regions will follow Dubai’s lead.
