UAE's Flexible Work Support for School Starters

Flexible Work Schedules in the UAE: Support for Parents During School Start

The government of the United Arab Emirates once again demonstrates its commitment to creating family-friendly workplaces and enhancing societal well-being. A few days before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, it was announced that public sector employees can expect flexible work arrangements as their children return to school. This measure supports employees in the logistical challenges of the school year start, while ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of public services.

Flexible Start and Departure on School Start Day

According to a statement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, federal ministries and organizations received instructions to allow employees to have flexible work arrival and departure times on the first day of school. This enables parents to accompany their children to and from school, creating a safe and calm school start environment. The allowance permits a maximum three-hour deviation from the official work schedule and is only valid based on the institution's internal regulations and the direct supervisor's approval.

Special Support for Parents of Kindergarten and Nursery Age Children

Parents whose children attend kindergarten or nursery receive special consideration. Decision-makers recognized that the first week is particularly sensitive for the youngest – and thus their parents as well. Therefore, these employees are granted up to three hours of flexibility daily during the first school week to more easily adapt to the new schedule required for taking and fetching their children.

This not only increases children's comfort but also improves parents' mental well-being and work efficiency, as they do not have to stress about tight schedules.

Participation in Parent Meetings and School Events

During the school year, parents can enjoy additional benefits. According to the statement, public sector workers are allowed to participate in school events related to their children, such as parent meetings, graduations, or other relevant programs. For these occasions, a maximum of three hours of absence is permitted, subject to prior arrangement with the employer.

This measure ensures a closer relationship between parents and educational institutions, which can positively impact children's academic progress and emotional stability in the long term.

Consideration of Curriculum Differences

It is important to emphasize that the curriculum differences in individual schools should also be taken into account, as the school year does not start on the same day everywhere. State employers are asked to handle these differences flexibly to avoid disadvantaging parents simply because their child attends a school with a different curriculum schedule.

This flexibility acknowledges the diversity of the Emirati education system, which includes British, American, Indian, and other international curriculums.

Building on Last Year's Successful Experiences

This year's measures are not without precedent: in 2024, a similar flexible system was already applied, and based on feedback, it positively impacted the satisfaction and work performance of state employees. The authorities have now reintroduced the model, aiming to create a balance between family and work obligations – without compromising service quality.

Benefits for Employees and Employers Alike

The benefits of a flexible work schedule are multifaceted:

For parents, it provides great assistance in managing logistical challenges at the beginning of the school year.

For children, it is reassuring to have their parents present at important moments in their lives.

For employers, this measure strengthens loyalty, reduces stress, and improves work morale.

For society as a whole, it communicates that the public sector is not only efficient but also people-centered.

Conclusion

The UAE has taken another step toward a family-friendly and flexible labor market. Work schedule flexibility adjusted to the school start not only eases the lives of parents but also sets an example for the private sector. Such measures contribute to the creation of a sustainable, happy, and balanced society in the long run, where work is not the opposite of family life, but a natural complement.

(Source: Based on a statement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.)