The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced on August 28, 2026, that federal government employees in the UAE will receive flexible working hours to assist with children's school drop-offs and pick-ups starting Monday, August 31, 2026.
- Flexible hours for federal employees starting August 31, 2026
- Three hours maximum flexibility for parents on the first day of school
- Extended timings for nursery and kindergarten parents during the first week
- Authorized absence for school events provided public services are not disrupted
This Back to School policy allows parents with children in primary school and above to report to work late or leave early on the first day of school, with a maximum total flexibility of three hours. This arrangement is subject to internal entity rules and direct manager approval.
For parents with children in nursery and kindergarten, the flexibility extends beyond the first day, allowing for adjusted arrival and departure timings throughout the entire first week of the academic year to help children settle into new routines. The specific start date for these arrangements is based on the actual school reopening date for each child, acknowledging that various curricula, including Indian, British, American, and IB, may have different schedules. Between August 31 and September 3, some schools may implement a phased return for different year groups, and parents are advised to check official school communications for exact timings.
Beyond the first week, the policy provides that federal entities may grant employees up to three hours of authorized absence to attend parent-teacher meetings, graduation ceremonies, or other school-related events, provided these do not disrupt public services or departmental operations.
Employees must coordinate these arrangements through their HR departments or direct managers. This policy applies exclusively to federal government employees.
Private-sector employees are not entitled to this specific federal mandate and are encouraged to consult their respective HR departments regarding internal flexible working policies. The 2026-27 academic year officially resumes on August 31 for both public and private schools following the Ministry of Education calendar, impacting many Indian, Pakistani, and Japanese curriculum schools across Dubai and other emirates.
