Ajman Introduces Reduced Working Hours, New Leave Policy for Employees

Ajman has announced a major overhaul of its government human resources framework with the issuance of Law No. 4 of 2026, introducing revised leave policies and reduced working hours for public sector employees.

The law was issued by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, as part of efforts to modernise government employment practices and enhance workforce efficiency. It will come into effect on September 1, 2026, and will apply to all civilian employees working in Ajman government entities.

The new legislation is designed to create a more flexible, balanced and responsive work environment, while also improving the overall quality of life for employees in the public sector. It forms part of the emirate’s broader efforts to align government workplace policies with evolving social and professional needs.

A key feature of the law is its alignment with the UAE’s Year of the Family initiative, reflecting a policy direction that places strong emphasis on family stability and social development. The reforms are intended to support employees in achieving a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.

Under the new framework, the Ajman Government Human Resources Department will play a central role in implementation. It will be responsible for reviewing and updating human resources regulations, assessing their effectiveness, monitoring compliance across government entities, and providing technical support to ensure smooth execution of the new policies.

Senior officials have described the legislation as a significant step in strengthening institutional performance while also prioritising employee welfare.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, said the law reflects the vision of the Ruler of Ajman, which places people at the centre of development. He said it reinforces the emirate’s commitment to building a modern and flexible government work environment that enhances quality of life and supports family stability.

He added that the new human resources framework represents a qualitative shift in the development of Ajman’s government sector, introducing an employment model that considers both professional and family needs. He noted that it is aligned with the objectives of the Year of the Family 2026 as well as Ajman Vision 2030, which seeks to build a more efficient, sustainable and competitive government system.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler’s Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs, said the legislation will help establish a motivating and sustainable work environment. He said it values employees, strengthens work-life balance, and enhances the competitiveness of government employment in the emirate.

Rashid Abdulrahman Jebran Al Suwaidi, Director General of Ajman’s Human Resources Department, said the law marks an important milestone in developing government work through an integrated framework focused on efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. He added that it will also support national talent development and improve the overall quality of working life.

The reforms reflect a wider trend across the UAE, where government entities are increasingly updating employment frameworks to attract talent, improve productivity and ensure public sector workplaces remain aligned with modern social and economic expectations.

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