Dubai government employees will once again enjoy shorter working hours and more flexible schedules this summer, thanks to the return of the Our Flexible Summer initiative.

Running from June 29 to September 10, the programme offers reduced working hours, flexible schedules and even three-day weekends for some government employees. 

The move is also likely to spark renewed debate about whether similar arrangements could eventually be adopted in the private sector. In an earlier AlArabiya report, experts suggested that Dubai’s flexible summer working model could pave the way for wider adoption of shorter workweeks across the UAE and potentially the broader GCC in the years ahead, although it may be a slow process.

Two flexible work models

Under the Our Flexible Summer initiative, government entities can choose between two different working schedules based on operational requirements.

The first group will work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with a shorter four-and-a-half-hour workday on Fridays.

The second group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday and enjoy a full day off every Friday, effectively creating a three-day weekend throughout the summer period.

In addition, government departments may introduce remote working arrangements where appropriate, depending on the nature of their operations and service requirements.

Focus on employee wellbeing

According to the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the initiative is designed to enhance employee well-being without compromising productivity or service delivery.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said the programme has shown that flexible working arrangements can improve employee satisfaction while maintaining strong institutional performance.

He noted that creating people-focused workplaces remains a key priority for Dubai as it continues to develop modern government environments that support innovation, productivity and long-term sustainability.

By providing employees with more time for family, social commitments and personal wellbeing, Dubai aims to create a more attractive and future-ready workplace culture while maintaining high standards of public service.

Sharjah City Municipality has announced that paid public parking hours across the emirate will be extended until midnight from July 1, 2026, in a move aimed at addressing rising demand for parking spaces.

The new timings will apply to all paid parking areas in Sharjah, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, including zones marked with yellow signboards. These will now operate in line with blue-zone areas, which already remain chargeable until 12am.

The municipality said parking will remain free on Fridays and official public holidays, except in designated areas where charges apply throughout the week, including holidays. In total, the revised system covers around 124,000 paid parking spaces across the emirate.

Under the new rules, parking fees will be applicable from 8am to midnight, although operating mechanisms may vary in certain smart parking zones, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.

Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah City Municipality, said the decision follows a detailed study of parking usage patterns, occupancy levels and demand across different parts of the emirate. He added that the review also included benchmarking against other systems and feedback from residents and visitors.

He said growing commercial, economic and tourism activity had increased pressure on parking availability, particularly in the evening hours, making extended operation necessary to improve turnover and reduce congestion.

According to the municipality, the change is also intended to address difficulties faced by residents, subscription holders and visitors—especially those visiting restaurants and cafes—who often struggle to find parking after 10pm.

Officials said the extended hours are expected to improve space availability, reduce illegal or informal parking, and enhance traffic flow in busy commercial and residential districts. The move is also aimed at supporting Sharjah’s broader appeal as a place to live and visit.

The municipality clarified that there will be no increase in seasonal parking subscription fees. Existing subscribers will effectively receive two additional hours of daily coverage, with the current 14-hour free window increasing to 16 hours.

Motorists have been urged to comply with the updated timings and use official payment channels, including SMS services and the Sharjah Digital app. The municipality also encouraged residents to make use of seasonal parking permits available through its online services.

Planning to ride the UAE’s first Etihad Rail passenger service? Now is the perfect time to book. Etihad Rail has unveiled a limited-time 50% launch discount on tickets for its new Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, bringing fares down to as little as Dh55.

The passenger service officially begins on June 30, but travellers will need to act fast. Demand has been exceptionally high since bookings opened, with many seats on launch day already sold out or close to selling out. The introductory offer applies to both Comfort and Premium classes, giving passengers an affordable chance to be among the first to experience the UAE’s highly anticipated rail network.

Introductory prices

Passengers can choose between two travel classes, both currently available at discounted launch fares:

Comfort Class

• Regular fare: Dh109
• Launch fare: Dh55

Premium Class

• Regular fare: Dh239
• Launch fare: Dh120

Which ticket type should you choose?

Etihad Rail offers three ticket tiers designed to suit different travel needs and levels of flexibility.

Saver

Ideal for travellers with fixed plans.

• Lowest-priced option
• Changes and refunds are not permitted
• Seat selection available for an additional fee
• Complimentary seat allocation 24 hours before departure
• Tickets cannot be transferred to another passenger

Value

Perfect if you need some flexibility.

• Free seat selection included
• Unlimited free changes up to 72 hours before departure
• Changes made within 72 hours incur a Dh20 fee plus any fare difference
• Non-refundable
• Non-transferable

Flex option

The most flexible ticket option.

• Complimentary seat selection
• Unlimited free changes before departure and up to 30 minutes after scheduled departure
• Full refund available when cancelled at least 24 hours before travel
• Same-day cancellations incur a 30% cancellation fee
• Transferable to another passenger before boarding

Travellers can upgrade from Saver to Value for an additional Dh10, or to Flex for Dh20.

How to book your ticket

Booking a journey is straightforward and can be completed online through the Etihad Rail website or mobile app.

Step 1: Choose the route

Select Abu Dhabi and Fujairah as your departure and arrival stations, then choose your preferred travel date. Tickets are currently available for journeys from June 30, 2026 onwards.

Step 2: Select the class

Choose between Comfort and Premium Class, then pick the ticket tier that best matches your travel plans.

Step 3: Add a return trip

If you’re planning a round trip, simply repeat the booking process for your return date.

Step 4: Enter passenger information

Provide your full name, email address and mobile number.

Step 5: Add optional services

Passengers can also book a connecting shuttle bus service for an additional Dh10.

Step 6: Complete payment

Pay securely using a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet. Once payment is confirmed, your digital ticket will be issued instantly. Physical ticket vending machines will also be available at stations.

Etihad Rail rollout timeline

The Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route marks the first phase of Etihad Rail’s passenger operations, with additional stations opening over the coming months.

June 30, 2026

Passenger services begin between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

September 30, 2026

Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station officially open.

December 30, 2026

Stations in Al Dhafra become operational as the network expands further.

March 30, 2027

Sharjah Train Station opens, completing the planned passenger route network.

With launch fares starting from just Dh55 and travel times expected to transform journeys across the UAE, it’s no surprise tickets are already selling quickly. If you’re planning to be among the first passengers to experience Etihad Rail, booking sooner rather than later may be your best bet.