Latest news with #AbdullahAliBinZayedAlFalasi
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Major city announces four-day work week shift
Dubai has announced a four-day work week and shorter working hours for all its public sector workers. It's the latest major global city to embrace the move towards a shorter working week in a bid to improve work-life balance for workers, with many companies in Australia also jumping on the trend. The temporary change will run from July 1 until September 12, 2025, as part of the government's 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. It follows a successful initial trial scheme in 2024, which found improved productivity and employee satisfaction. Government employees will be split into two groups. The first group will work for eight hours from Monday until Thursday and get Friday off. The second group will work for seven hours from Monday until Thursday, and work four-and-a-half hours on Friday. RELATED Major 'roadblock' to Australia ushering in a four-day work week revealed Centrelink $836 cash boost for 'very real' truth facing thousands of Aussies ATO issues July 1 warning to Aussies waiting on $1,500 tax refunds Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said the government was aiming to balance institutional efficiency and workers' wellbeing. 'This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community,' he said. While the policy won't apply to private sector workers, there have been calls from the Dubai and UAE governments to bring in more remote and flexible hours across the April, Tokyo implemented a four-day work week for metropolitan government employees in a bid to boost record-low fertility rates. Some 200 companies across the United Kingdom have also permanently implemented a four-day work week following trials with 4 Day Week Foundation. That included charities, marketing, technology, IT and software, and consulting firms. In Australia, high-profile companies like Medibank and Bunnings have trialled the change. Companies will commonly implement a 100:80:100 model, where employees keep 100 per cent of their pay, have their work hours reduced to 80 per cent, but have to maintain 100 per cent of their productivity. Thrive Nation chief disruptor Christian Miran told Yahoo Finance Australian companies were 'ready' for the shift. The work revolution architect previously worked at Medibank and led the insurer's four-day work week trial. 'Australia is really prime for this now. This is the next wave of understanding of how we could be more productive,' he said. Recent research conducted by Swinburne University of Technology involved interviews with 10 Australian firms that had adopted the 100:80:100 model. It found the potential for positive outcomes from employers and employees. Workers reported having better work-life balance and more time for life admin, hobbies, exercise, wellness and self-care. Bosses, on the other hand, cited productivity gains, reduced sick days and significant improvements in recruitment and retention rates. Researchers noted there were still doubts over productivity and output being maintained. It also noted there could be costs associated with in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Dubai makes big flexible work announcement as four-day week movement ramps up
Another major city is introducing a four-day week for thousands of workers, with the shorter work week movement continuing to grow globally. Within a matter of days, employees in Dubai's public sector will be enjoying three-day weekends and reduced working hours as part of the city's 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. Kicking off on July 1 and running until September 12, the reduced summer schedule introduced by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) aims to allow workers more flexibility and access to greater work-life balance. As part of the scheme, public sector employees will be divided and put onto two separate flexible working schedules. Those in group one will work Monday to Thursday for 8 hours a day and have Fridays off. Those in group two will also work Monday to Thursday but only for 7 hours a day and will work 4.5 hour days on Fridays. The government decided to roll out the change to all employees following a successful pilot phase last year which was found to have improved overall employee satisfaction and happiness, along with increased productivity. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR, said the policy reflected the government's overall vision to create a modern workforce that prioritises work-life balance. 'This isn't just a shift in working hours — it's a reflection of the government's evolving mindset. We are prioritising employee wellbeing alongside institutional efficiency,' he said. 'This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enhancing the government work environment, making it more adaptable and responsive to the needs of employees and the community.' Mr Al Falasi said the expanded edition of the previous four-day week trial builds on the successful outcomes seen last year. He said the move supports Dubai's aspirations to be a leader in delivering 'flexible, sustainable, and people-centric government services'. The change comes amid an increasing number of four-day week changes and trials other flexible working systems across the world. Australia, Japan, the UK, Canada, Ireland, the US and Iceland are just some of the nations that have been experimenting with reduced working hours. One of the common ways that companies implement a four-day week is by using the 100:80:100 model, in which staff keep 100 per cent of their pay but have their work hours reduced to 80 per cent. However, they must maintain 100 per cent of their productivity in order for the change to work. Other options include allowing staff to work a shorter week but for less pay, or offering standard 40 hour weeks condensed over four days. In April, amended laws were introduced in Japan requiring companies to offer flexible work options for employees with young children, such as reduced working hours or remote work, in a bid to reverse the country's rapidly declining birthrate. As a result, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, one of the country's largest employers with over 160,000 workers, announced it would be introducing a four-day work week. 'We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or child-rearing,' Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, said at the time of the announcement. 'Empowering women, a goal that has lagged far behind the rest of the world, has been a longstanding issue in our country'. Earlier this year, it was announced that 200 companies across the United Kingdom, comprising a total of more than 5000 employees, had now changed their policies to allow staff to work four days a week, with the same pay and no requirement for longer working days. The shortened week movement has also been gaining traction in Australia. In the past few years there has been a sharp rise in companies adopting the new working model, with Medibank and Bunnings among the major Aussie brands that have begun trialling the change. Speaking to earlier this year, Swinburne's Associate Professor John Hopkins believes that this is a trend we can expect to see continue to rise throughout 2025, both here and overseas. 'Many companies who have tried it have experienced some great results – significant improvements in recruitment and retention, lower absenteeism, and even increased productivity – which will no doubt encourage other firms to try it and see if they can achieve similar gains,' he said. This is also backed up by data, with recent research from recruiter Robert Half revealing just over a third of Australian companies surveyed expect their organisation will transition to a four-day work week within the next five years.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
DGHR graduates 100 employees from latest qualification program to enhance HR capabilities
Dubai: The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), in partnership with SHL Middle East, hosted a graduation ceremony for 100 HR professionals from various government entities. These individuals had successfully completed a specialised training program focused on enhancing the capabilities of HR specialists within Dubai Government in the areas of talent management and analytics. The event witnessed participation of officials from DGHR, SHL, and a number of partner government bodies. The ceremony highlighted the strong collaboration between DGHR and SHL Middle East, which was formed to provide dedicated consulting and training services in the field of human resources. This partnership is aimed at certifying professionals in behavioural competency assessment, strengthening their skills in talent management with the help of advanced technologies and aligning with international best practices. H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, stated: "This comprehensive program highlights the Dubai Government's continuous dedication to developing national talent and empowering them with cutting-edge tools to drive government transformation. It focuses on enhancing the capabilities of government professionals through advanced behavioural competency assessments, ensuring that government entities are prepared to meet future demands. The initiative is closely aligned with the strategic vision of our wise leadership, prioritising investment in human capital, attracting top national talent, and promoting qualitative Emiratisation to build an innovative government equipped to overcome challenges through an efficient work system." H.E. added: 'At DGHR, we take great pride in the achievements of our graduates, who are essential partners in developing a dynamic and innovative government work environment. They embody the highest standards of professional excellence, demonstrating the ability to make meaningful impact through scientifically validated assessment tools and internationally recognised benchmarks. Their contributions play a significant role in fostering a culture of institutional excellence across all areas of government.' Mohamed Farid, Managing Director of SHL Middle East, said: 'We are honoured to enter into a strategic collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department on this pioneering initiative, which underscores our shared commitment to strengthening government capabilities and promoting data-driven institutional development. Throughout the program, we witnessed a strong enthusiasm from participants to adopt advanced assessment technologies and international best practices, which will result in the continued progress of Dubai Government's transformation efforts.' 'This collaboration reflects our vision as a global leader in talent analytics, where building a smart and innovative government begins with unlocking and harnessing human potential. In line with this vision, we reaffirm our strong commitment to supporting Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by providing government entities with the knowledge, tools, and technologies essential for identifying, developing, and retaining the talent that will drive the economy of the future. We look forward to expanding this partnership through more advanced, results-oriented training programs that will further strengthen Dubai's position as a global leader in talent development and administrative excellence,' he added. Conducted twice a week from April 30 to June 17, 2025, the program brought together employees from 37 government entities, making it one of the most extensive specialised training initiatives in talent management and analytics across Dubai. Participants gained valuable insights into key government competencies, preparing them to help shape a future-ready workforce. Upon meeting the program's rigorous standards, the graduates also received an internationally accredited certification from the British Psychological Society (BPS). The event highlighted the success stories and personal experiences of the participants, showcasing the program's positive impact on their professional growth. It also reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and SHL to deliver more training initiatives in future. These upcoming programs will focus on equipping government employees with advanced capabilities, promoting greater adaptability and innovation to overcome the challenges of the future. This initiative aligns with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department's dedication to advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention. By building a network of certified professionals trained in behavioural competency assessment through scientific methods, the program strengthens the effectiveness and sustainability of the workforce, playing a key role in increasing the efficiency of human capital across government entities. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Web Release
14-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
DGHR collaborates with Dubai AI Campus to accelerate AI-driven workforce development
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai AI Campus, a DIFC initiative and the largest dedicated hub for AI companies in the region, to advance the development of human capital and future-proof the workforce across both public and private sectors. The key objective of this agreement is to enhance local capabilities in line with the rapid advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) both regionally and globally. This strategic agreement is designed to facilitate collaboration in the development and delivery of dedicated training and educational programs that equip individuals to use AI technologies across various key sectors. Through this joint effort, the parties seek to train over 10,000 individuals by 2030, supporting Dubai's ambitious goal of establishing itself as a pioneering global hub for technology and innovation. H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the DGHR, highlighted that the partnership with Dubai AI Campus is a testament to the Department's commitment to enhancing the skills of employees across both public and private sectors and to empowering them to navigate the fast-evolving landscape of digital transformation. Al Falasi said: 'At DGHR, we consider investing in human capital as a major step towards attaining the vision of our wise leadership in leading the global innovation and technology landscape and positioning Dubai at the forefront of the world's top knowledge economies. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in empowering our workforce with skills to drive digital transformation across both public and private sectors with precision and agility. The move will ensure the sustainability of economic and social development and ensure the emirate's competitiveness in different fields. In addition, this agreement signifies our unwavering commitment to shaping a prosperous future for the coming generations by equipping them with vital knowledge and technologies and promoting a work environment based on innovation, creativity, and institutional excellence.' Furthermore, the collaboration comes in alignment with Dubai's ambitious vision to attain global leadership in technology and digital transformation. It also contributes to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by developing a sustainable knowledge economy based on exploring and leveraging advanced global technologies to strengthen the field of human resources. His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), said: 'The development of a future-ready workforce is fundamental to Dubai's ambition of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. This collaboration between DGHR and DIFC's Dubai AI Campus underscores the importance of aligning efforts across government entities to equip talent in the public and private sectors with advanced AI capabilities. By investing in human capital and fostering cross-sector partnerships, we are creating the foundations for a sustainable knowledge economy that will drive growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity for the emirate.' Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will jointly implement a series of training programs focused on real-world applications, with courses tailored to meet the requirements of targeted segments in the labour market, such as senior executives and mid-level managers. It will also include the provisions for hands-on training and practical projects, alongside career mentorship, residency training programs, and exclusive opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, to foster strong professional relationships among participants. A key initiative under this partnership is the 'AI for Civil Service' program, aimed at upskilling government employees by training them in using generative AI technologies to enhance public services. As part of the program, participants need to present innovative ideas, which will be assessed by a specialised committee comprising representatives from the DIFC, Udacity, and industry experts. The program also provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, along with access to advanced mentoring and coaching sessions. The cooperation also focuses on hosting advanced and specialised seminars and workshops, producing high-quality scientific content, and sharing the latest research on AI applications in human resources management. Furthermore, the agreement promotes joint efforts in supporting tech initiatives and events held in Dubai, aiming to enhance institutional performance and improve workplace environments. This agreement builds on the Department's relentless efforts to develop and invest in human capital in order to position Dubai as a leader in digital transformation and boost economic productivity through the broad integration of AI education. It represents the shared vision of the DGHR Department, DIFC, and Dubai AI Campus to foster a culture of government-led innovation while preparing a new generation of leaders and specialists with the necessary skills and mindset to shape the future and actively support Dubai's global ambitions and forward-looking vision.
Mid East Info
14-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DGHR collaborates with Dubai AI Campus to accelerate AI-driven workforce development - Middle East Business News and Information
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department DGHR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai AI Campus, a DIFC initiative and the largest dedicated hub for AI companies in the region, to advance the development of human capital and future-proof the workforce across both public and private sectors. The key objective of this agreement is to enhance local capabilities in line with the rapid advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) both regionally and globally. This strategic agreement is designed to facilitate collaboration in the development and delivery of dedicated training and educational programs that equip individuals to use AI technologies across various key sectors. Through this joint effort, the parties seek to train over 10,000 individuals by 2030, supporting Dubai's ambitious goal of establishing itself as a pioneering global hub for technology and innovation. H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the DGHR, highlighted that the partnership with Dubai AI Campus is a testament to the Department's commitment to enhancing the skills of employees across both public and private sectors and to empowering them to navigate the fast-evolving landscape of digital transformation. Al Falasi said: 'At DGHR, we consider investing in human capital as a major step towards attaining the vision of our wise leadership in leading the global innovation and technology landscape and positioning Dubai at the forefront of the world's top knowledge economies. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in empowering our workforce with skills to drive digital transformation across both public and private sectors with precision and agility. The move will ensure the sustainability of economic and social development and ensure the emirate's competitiveness in different fields. In addition, this agreement signifies our unwavering commitment to shaping a prosperous future for the coming generations by equipping them with vital knowledge and technologies and promoting a work environment based on innovation, creativity, and institutional excellence.' Furthermore, the collaboration comes in alignment with Dubai's ambitious vision to attain global leadership in technology and digital transformation. It also contributes to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by developing a sustainable knowledge economy based on exploring and leveraging advanced global technologies to strengthen the field of human resources. His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre DIFC, said: 'The development of a future-ready workforce is fundamental to Dubai's ambition of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. This collaboration between DGHR and DIFC's Dubai AI Campus underscores the importance of aligning efforts across government entities to equip talent in the public and private sectors with advanced AI capabilities. By investing in human capital and fostering cross-sector partnerships, we are creating the foundations for a sustainable knowledge economy that will drive growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity for the emirate.' Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will jointly implement a series of training programs focused on real-world applications, with courses tailored to meet the requirements of targeted segments in the labour market, such as senior executives and mid-level managers. It will also include the provisions for hands-on training and practical projects, alongside career mentorship, residency training programs, and exclusive opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, to foster strong professional relationships among participants. A key initiative under this partnership is the 'AI for Civil Service' program, aimed at upskilling government employees by training them in using generative AI technologies to enhance public services. As part of the program, participants need to present innovative ideas, which will be assessed by a specialised committee comprising representatives from the DIFC, Udacity, and industry experts. The program also provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, along with access to advanced mentoring and coaching sessions. The cooperation also focuses on hosting advanced and specialised seminars and workshops, producing high-quality scientific content, and sharing the latest research on AI applications in human resources management. Furthermore, the agreement promotes joint efforts in supporting tech initiatives and events held in Dubai, aiming to enhance institutional performance and improve workplace environments. This agreement builds on the Department's relentless efforts to develop and invest in human capital in order to position Dubai as a leader in digital transformation and boost economic productivity through the broad integration of AI education. It represents the shared vision of the DGHR Department, DIFC, and Dubai AI Campus to foster a culture of government-led innovation while preparing a new generation of leaders and specialists with the necessary skills and mindset to shape the future and actively support Dubai's global ambitions and forward-looking vision.
