UAE's 2025 summer update: Flexible work, Armenia visa-free entry, and smoking alternatives

TL;DR:

• UAE residents now enjoy visa-free travel to Armenia for 90 days within a 180-day period.
  
  
• Flexible summer work schedules adopted by Dubai and Ajman to support employee well-being during peak heat months.
  
  
• The midday work ban in extreme temperatures continues from June 15 to September 15, with hefty employer fines for violations.
  
  
  
• Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are officially legalized to aid smokers looking for alternatives. A new Dubai health law mandates the reporting of infectious diseases and empowers authorities to restrict travel for infected individuals.

As temperatures soar past 45°C in the UAE's summer months, life doesn’t just slow down, it adapts. From July 2025, the UAE government and emirates like Dubai and Ajman have rolled out a variety of new policies designed to make this summer more manageable for residents. Along with travel perks and more lenient work policies, there’s a renewed focus on public health initiatives aimed at ensuring safety during the season’s toughest weeks. Whether you're a government employee, a private sector worker, or an avid traveller, these new rules directly shape how you navigate life in the Emirates between June and September.

1. Armenia Opens Doors to UAE Residents: Visa-Free
Effective July 1, 2025, UAE residents can now enter Armenia visa-free, provided they hold a valid residency permit for at least six months. The agreement, announced by Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, grants UAE residents 90 days of stay within a 180-day window, fostering stronger travel ties between the two countries.

This move is expected to increase leisure travel from the UAE to Armenia, already popular for its cooler climate, mountain resorts, and historical sites. For UAE expats looking for affordable and scenic summer getaways without lengthy visa procedures, Armenia is now an accessible choice. The decision also reflects Armenia’s broader tourism push towards GCC countries, with Qatar and Saudi residents also recently receiving eased entry conditions.

2. Flexible Workweeks to Combat Summer Fatigue
From July 2025, Dubai government employees benefit from a flexible workweek through mid-September. Staff can opt for:

• A four-day workweek (Monday to Thursday, 8 hours daily), enjoying Fridays off, or
  
  
• A condensed schedule of 7 hours Monday to Thursday, with a half-day on Friday.
  
  

This model, announced by the Dubai Executive Council, aims to improve productivity and wellbeing by reducing daily commutes in the intense summer heat.

Similarly, Ajman’s government sector has adopted reduced hours, with employees working 7 hours from Monday to Thursday and attending work remotely on Fridays. These changes follow growing interest in shorter workweeks globally, especially after the UAE’s groundbreaking switch to a four-and-a-half-day week in 2022.

3. Midday Work Ban: Protecting Outdoor Workers in Peak Heat
The UAE enforces a strict midday work ban from June 15 to September 15 each year, prohibiting outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. This longstanding rule, now in its 21st year, is monitored by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), with employers facing fines of up to AED 50,000 (≈ USD 13,600) for violations.

The initiative is part of broader labour rights protections, ensuring the health and safety of outdoor workers, particularly in sectors like construction, logistics, and landscaping. In recent years, authorities have strengthened surveillance with inspection teams and smart reporting apps allowing citizens to report breaches directly.

4. Public Health & Smoking Alternatives: New Laws in Dubai
In a bid to bolster public health protections, Dubai’s new Law No. 5 of 2025 mandates that individuals diagnosed with certain infectious diseases must report their condition to health authorities. The law empowers officials to impose travel restrictions on those who fail to comply, a policy influenced by global health management lessons from COVID-19.

Additionally, the UAE government has approved the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches starting July 29, 2025, under Cabinet Resolution No. 2/2025. This measure is part of an evolving strategy to help residents quit smoking by providing safer alternatives, aligning with the National Tobacco Control Strategy that aims to reduce tobacco consumption prevalence in the country.

5. Additional Key Updates: Emiratisation and Education
Another significant shift beginning July 1, 2025, is the resumption of Emiratisation compliance inspections targeting private companies with more than 50 employees. These inspections will assess adherence to the mandated hiring quotas for UAE nationals, a policy critical to diversifying the local workforce.

Moreover, the summer break for UAE schools is now in full effect, prompting many working parents to balance childcare and professional obligations. Some employers have introduced flexible hours or remote working options during this period to accommodate parental responsibilities.

What This Means for Expats and Residents
The UAE continues to evolve its policy landscape to improve resident welfare, promote tourism, and uphold workplace safety. The new travel permissions, flexible working schedules, and health regulations are more than seasonal adjustments, they reflect a progressive governance model responsive to global trends and resident needs.

For expats, this summer presents the opportunity to:

• Plan affordable holidays to visa-free destinations like Armenia.
  
  
• Enjoy shorter workweeks or remote work arrangements.
  
  
• Stay protected from heat-related work hazards.
  
  
• Switch to regulated nicotine alternatives for smoking cessation.
  
  
• Adhere to health declarations to avoid legal consequences.