Ajman's Innovative Summer Work Schedule

Ajman's New Summer Work Schedule: Home Office Fridays and Shorter Workdays for Government Employees

The Ajman government is implementing a new summer work schedule for public sector employees, effective from July 1 to August 22. The measure aims to improve employees' quality of life during the hottest months, support work-life balance, and promote environmental sustainability. This decision is part of the "Year of the Community" initiative, which is supported across the UAE.

Home Office on Fridays, Shorter Weekdays

Under the new regulations, Ajman state employees will work remotely on Fridays, with official working hours from Monday to Thursday set from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, which is an hour shorter than usual. This model allows the uninterrupted operation of public services while providing a more comfortable and healthier work environment for employees.

Government agencies have been urged to develop flexible operating models internally to ensure the continuity of services and the serving of the community.

Efficiency, Family, and Sustainability

According to decision-makers, the modification serves three main goals:

Improvement of work-life balance: More time for family, rest, and recovery.

Eco-friendly approach: Less commuting, lower emissions, reduced infrastructure load.

Well-being of public officials: Reduced stress and fatigue during heatwaves.

The effectiveness of the initiative will be summarized in an evaluation report at the end of the summer period, which will be prepared by the Human Resources Office. This report will determine whether a similar work model should be applied in the long term.

Dubai has taken similar steps

Ajman's example is not unique: Dubai has also implemented a flexible summer work schedule in the public service. During the period from July 1 to September 12, employees are divided into two groups. One group works eight hours daily from Monday to Thursday, with Friday being a full day off.

The four-day workweek is becoming increasingly popular in the private sector as well. Several companies have found that this model increases employee satisfaction, reduces burnout, and improves retention rates. Longer weekends and more flexible work schedules better support employee well-being without reducing productivity—and in some cases, even improving it.

The Workplace of the Future: Flexible and People-Centric

The changes implemented in Ajman send a clear message: the workplace of the future is flexible, family-friendly, and sustainable. Although the new regulation is currently temporary, the evaluation promised in September may mark the beginning of a long-term transformation.

The home office introduced during the summer months and the shortened weekdays not only serve to alleviate the heat but may also lay the foundations for a new employee-friendly culture in the entire UAE public sector.

(Source of the article: Ajman Executive Council press release.)