Good news for parents in the UAE — flexible working hours have been introduced for the first day of school to make the back-to-school routine a little easier. As announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), federal employees will have more flexibility in their arrival and departure times to help them with school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Key Details About the New Flexible Working Hours Policy
First Day of School:
- Up to three hours of flexibility on the first day to help parents take their children to school or home.
- Employees working in federal ministries and entities can adjust their working hours to suit their family’s needs on this important day.
For Parents of Nursery and Kindergarten Children:
- The flexibility is extended for one week to help families adjust to the new school routine.
- Parents can be granted up to three hours per day to assist with drop-offs and pick-ups.
Other School-Related Events:
- Employees can also request up to three hours for attending events like parent-teacher meetings or graduation ceremonies.
FAHR has made it clear that employers should consider the varying school start dates across different curricula, so the flexibility might look a little different depending on the school.
This new policy gives parents more control over their schedules and helps them balance work and family responsibilities, especially during the hectic back-to-school period. It’s a great way to ease into the school year without the added stress of time constraints.
After getting used to the new school routine, UAE residents can look forward to the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday public holiday coming up soon. Be sure to check if it will be part of a long weekend, perfect for spending time with family or relaxing before the busy season ahead.
