The Government of Ajman has unveiled a progressive initiative allowing government employees to work remotely every Friday during the holy month of Ramadan. The move, introduced under the theme “Ajman Ramadan with the Family,” reflects the emirate’s continued commitment to supporting family life, wellbeing, and flexible work practices.
The announcement was made by the Ajman Department of Human Resources following directives from Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman. The initiative forms part of the broader Year of Family agenda, placing family cohesion and social stability at the heart of public policy.
A Flexible Ramadan Schedule for Government Employees
Under the newly announced framework, government offices in Ajman will operate from Monday to Thursday between 9:00am and 2:30pm. On Fridays, employees will work remotely from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
The adjusted schedule recognises the spiritual rhythm of Ramadan, a month marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. By shortening working hours and introducing remote work at the end of the week, authorities aim to reduce commuting stress and provide employees with additional time to spend with their families and participate in religious observances.
The Friday remote work policy applies across government entities in Ajman, ensuring continuity of essential public services while offering greater flexibility to staff.
‘Ajman Ramadan with the Family’: A Human-Centred Initiative
The program’s title, “Ajman Ramadan with the Family,” signals a shift towards a more human-focused governance model. Rather than viewing flexibility as a temporary measure, the initiative reinforces Ajman’s long-term vision of building a supportive work environment that respects cultural and religious priorities.
Ramadan holds deep social significance in the UAE. Families gather for iftar meals, engage in nightly prayers, and strengthen bonds that often become difficult to nurture during busy work schedules. By enabling employees to work from home on Fridays, the government is acknowledging the importance of these traditions and creating space for meaningful family interaction.
Officials noted that the initiative is designed not only to support family time but also to promote overall wellbeing. Reduced commuting hours can help lower fatigue, allowing employees to remain energised and focused throughout the week.
Balancing Productivity and Wellbeing
While the initiative prioritises family life, it also maintains a strong focus on operational efficiency. Authorities have emphasised that service delivery standards will remain uninterrupted during Ramadan. The structured working hours from Monday to Thursday, combined with remote service capabilities on Fridays, are intended to ensure that government operations continue smoothly.
The adoption of flexible work models in Ajman reflects broader workplace transformations seen across the UAE in recent years. Remote work, once considered an exception, has increasingly become part of modern governance strategies aimed at enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
By integrating remote work into its Ramadan schedule, Ajman is reinforcing the idea that flexibility and efficiency can coexist. Employees are trusted to meet their responsibilities while benefiting from a healthier work-life balance.
Supporting the Year of Family Vision
The initiative aligns closely with the Year of Family agenda, which places emphasis on strengthening social structures and promoting work environments that allow families to thrive. Government leaders have consistently highlighted the importance of policies that nurture family cohesion, recognising it as a cornerstone of social stability.
Through this Ramadan program, Ajman is translating that vision into practical action. The policy not only reduces work hours during a spiritually significant month but also symbolically affirms the leadership’s commitment to its people’s wellbeing.
Flexible scheduling during Ramadan also encourages employees to dedicate time to community engagement, charitable activities, and spiritual reflection—key elements of the holy month.
Modernising Workplace Practices in Ajman
Beyond its immediate impact during Ramadan, the initiative signals Ajman’s ongoing efforts to modernise workplace practices within government institutions. Flexible work systems, digital service platforms, and outcome-focused performance models are increasingly becoming part of public administration reforms.
Officials described the remote Friday model as part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency while promoting a balanced lifestyle. By adopting adaptable work structures, the Ajman Government demonstrates responsiveness to employee needs without compromising service standards.
This approach mirrors a growing understanding that employee comfort and satisfaction directly influence productivity. When individuals feel supported, they are more likely to remain engaged and motivated.
A Positive Step for Employee Morale
For many government employees, Fridays during Ramadan are traditionally filled with preparations for family gatherings, religious prayers, and communal activities. Eliminating the need to commute on this day provides additional breathing room.
The three-hour remote working window on Fridays ensures that employees remain accessible and productive while gaining valuable time to focus on personal priorities. The measure is expected to boost morale and strengthen employees’ connection to their workplace.
The announcement has been widely viewed as a thoughtful gesture that recognises the human dimension of work, particularly during a month centred on spiritual growth and community.
Ensuring Continuity of Services
Authorities have clarified that despite the adjusted hours, government services will continue without disruption. Digital infrastructure and remote communication systems will facilitate seamless service delivery on Fridays.
Residents and businesses interacting with government departments can expect consistent response times and maintained operational standards throughout Ramadan.
By combining shortened hours with remote access, Ajman has designed a schedule that balances public needs with employee welfare.
A Model of Adaptive Governance
Ajman’s Ramadan remote work initiative highlights the emirate’s adaptive governance model—one that evolves with societal needs while preserving cultural values. It underscores how leadership decisions can integrate tradition with innovation.
The directive from Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi reflects a leadership philosophy that places people at the centre of policy. In doing so, Ajman reinforces its identity as a forward-looking emirate committed to social wellbeing and administrative excellence.
As Ramadan approaches, government employees across Ajman can look forward to a schedule that honours the spirit of the month while maintaining professional dedication. The initiative stands as a meaningful example of how thoughtful policy adjustments can enhance both family life and workplace performance.
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