Dubai is embarking on a dual initiative to enhance resident well-being and urban sustainability. The emirate is piloting a four-day work week for select government entities this summer, alongside its ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to transform a significant portion of the city into nature reserves.
Flexible Work Week Pilot
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched a pilot project, "Our Flexible Summer initiative," from August 12 to September 30. This initiative will see at least 15 government entities reduce their working hours to seven hours per day, with Fridays being a non-working day. The goal is to improve employee work-life balance, enhance their quality of life, and foster a more flexible work environment, aligning with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. A survey conducted by DGHR indicated strong support for such changes, highlighting potential benefits like increased leisure time and reduced energy consumption within government departments. DGHR will collect feedback to assess the initiative’s impact on productivity and employee well-being, with the aim of creating a final report and recommendations for broader adoption.
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
Complementing these efforts, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, outlines a vision for sustainable urban development over the next two decades. A key objective of this plan is to designate 60% of Dubai’s total area as nature reserves and rural natural areas. The plan focuses on enhancing the city’s competitiveness as a global destination by improving urban infrastructure, doubling green and leisure areas, and promoting healthy, inclusive communities. It also emphasizes sustainable mobility, economic diversification, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The plan identifies five key urban centers for development and aims to ensure equitable access to facilities and services for all residents, ultimately striving to make Dubai the city with the world’s best quality of life.