Early Workday Gains Popularity in UAE

Earlier Work Start in the UAE? Increasing Support for 6 AM Commencement

An increasing number of residents in the United Arab Emirates support the idea of starting the workday at 6 AM—and not just during the summer months. The reasoning is simple: early rising is already a part of many people's lives, whether for morning prayers, exercise, or simply waking up with the daylight. If working hours aligned with this, people could finish their workday by early afternoon, giving them more time for family, relaxation, and personal errands.

Why Do Some Support the 6 AM Start?

The idea of an early work start is backed by personal experiences and physiological arguments. Many people already rise around 4 AM—for example, for Fajr prayers or workouts—making the official work start at around 9 AM feel like dead time. Those who are fully awake by 6 AM would happily start work then to finish by 2 PM.

This isn't just about convenience: summer heat is also a significant factor. The heat becomes unbearable by the afternoon, especially for those working outdoors or who travel extensively. Finishing the workday early could reduce heat stress and help prevent exhaustion.

Productivity and Mental Health

Health experts also support the initiative’s physiological benefits. The naturally higher cortisol levels in the morning provide alertness, concentration, and better performance, which a 6 AM start could optimally utilize. Those who adopt this lifestyle may require less caffeine and feel less exhausted at the end of the day.

Moreover, an early finish can reduce screen time and digital burnout. Current working hours can extend to 6-7 PM, with many continuing until evening on their smartphones or laptops. Finishing at 2 PM allows more time for natural unwinding and rest, promoting healthy sleep.

It Might Not Work for Everyone

It’s important to note that a 6 AM start is not ideal for everyone. Due to biological differences, some people are more active in the evening and slower to wake in the morning. Forcing an early shift on them could decrease their performance and increase stress.

Experts, therefore, suggest introducing flexible working hours, possibly through a multi-shift model. This way, individuals could choose based on their natural rhythm, potentially increasing employee satisfaction and retention in the long run.

An Opportunity for Companies

For companies, the change could be an opportunity to launch pilot programs—implementing a 6 AM to 2 PM shift for two days a week, for example—and assess productivity and employee well-being.

Several companies in the UAE already practice flexible scheduling, but a standardized 6 AM start is still rare. However, experiences suggest it could become more widespread in the future, particularly during the summer months or in roles where early rising is a natural part of the daily routine.

(Source of the article: based on statements from Dubai workers.)