Dubai has announced a four-day work week and shorter working hours for all its public sector workers. It’s the latest major global city to embrace the move towards a shorter working week in a bid to improve work-life balance for workers, with many companies in Australia also jumping on the trend.

The temporary change will run from July 1 until September 12, 2025, as part of the government’s ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative. It follows a successful initial trial scheme in 2024, which found improved productivity and employee satisfaction.

Government employees will be split into two groups. The first group will work for eight hours from Monday until Thursday and get Friday off. The second group will work for seven hours from Monday until Thursday, and work four-and-a-half hours on Friday.

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Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the government was aiming to balance institutional efficiency and workers' wellbeing.

“This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community,” he said.

While the policy won’t apply to private sector workers, there have been calls from the Dubai and UAE governments to bring in more remote and flexible hours across the board.

Has your business introduced a four-day work week? Contact tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com to share your story

Four-day work week grows in popularity

In April, Tokyo implemented a four-day work week for metropolitan government employees in a bid to boost record-low fertility rates.

Some 200 companies across the United Kingdom have also permanently implemented a four-day work week following trials with 4 Day Week Foundation. That included charities, marketing, technology, IT and software, and consulting firms.

In Australia, high-profile companies like Medibank and Bunnings have trialled the change.

Companies will commonly implement a 100:80:100 model, where employees keep 100 per cent of their pay, have their work hours reduced to 80 per cent, but have to maintain 100 per cent of their productivity.

Thrive Nation chief disruptor Christian Miran told Yahoo Finance Australian companies were “ready” for the shift. The work revolution architect previously worked at Medibank and led the insurer’s four-day work week trial.