Dubai is set to revolutionize its public sector with a dual approach to enhance efficiency and quality of life. The emirate will pilot a four-day work week for government entities during the summer months, alongside the development of a comprehensive smart application, Dubai Now, designed to centralize access to 2,000 government services.
Dubai Embraces Flexible Work
In a move aimed at improving employee well-being and work-life balance, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative. This pilot project will introduce a four-day, seven-hour work week for participating government entities during the summer period, specifically from August 12 to September 30, 2024. Fridays will be non-working days for these entities.
- Pilot Program Details:
- Duration: August 12, 2024, to September 30, 2024
- Work Schedule: Four days a week, seven hours a day
- Participating Entities: At least 15 government entities
- Objective: Enhance employee well-being, social life, and workplace safety during summer.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR Department, emphasized that this initiative aligns with Dubai’s ‘Quality of Life Strategy 2033’, aiming to position the city as a global destination for long-term settlement and work. A survey conducted by DGHR prior to the launch revealed strong support for reduced working hours during summer, highlighting a collective openness to changes that promote work-life balance.
Smart Services at Your Fingertips: Dubai Now
Dubai is also advancing its digital transformation with the upcoming launch of Dubai Now, an intelligent personal assistant application. This app is designed to be a single point of access for approximately 2,000 government services from 19 different government entities, categorized across 11 areas.
- Key Features of Dubai Now:
- Centralized Access: One-time login for 2,000 services.
- Personalized Notifications: Updates on traffic, weather, and customized information.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilizes big data to profile users and provide tailored services.
- User Experience: Aims for a seamless and trustworthy experience, regardless of the service source.
Built on principles similar to Google Now, Dubai Now will leverage descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to understand user behavior and offer relevant information. Ahmad Bin Humaidan, Director-General of Dubai Smart Government (DSG), highlighted that the app will analyze big data to design smarter services that meet public needs and enhance happiness. The initiative is part of DSG’s broader strategy to raise the happiness index of residents through smart shared systems, smart participation, and smart data management.