As the new school year approaches, the UAE has announced flexible work hours for some government employees on the first day of school. This initiative allows parents to drop off and pick up their children from school, providing much-needed support as families prepare for the academic year.
Flexible Hours for Parents
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) stated that parents with children in nursery and kindergarten can enjoy flexible hours throughout the entire first week of the academic year. For those with children in primary grades and above, the flexibility applies specifically on the first day of school.
Details of the New Policy
This new policy, effective for the 2024-2025 academic year, allows employees to take up to three hours of flexibility. They can use this time all at once or split it between morning and evening. The FAHR encourages parents to consider the varying school start dates based on different curricula.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
The initiative aims to strike a balance between professional obligations and family needs. It also extends to important school events throughout the year, such as parent-teacher meetings and graduation ceremonies. Employees must follow their entity’s regulations and obtain approval from their directors to utilize this flexibility.