FAHR-New Product Categories-Award for Innovation in Living, Learning, and Working Environments

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) pursues the development of Human Resources in the UAE government sector through the implementation of modern concepts and the adoption of international standards applied in the field of Human Resources Management.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has introduced a transformative model that redefines how UAE federal employees live, learn, and work. Through pioneering HR policies, advanced digital platforms, and a national future-skills ecosystem, FAHR has reshaped the government environment into one that is flexible, human-centered, and innovation-driven. These integrated initiatives position the UAE as a global leader in creating modern, people-focused government workplaces.

Transforming the Working Environment Through Modern HR Policies

FAHR has implemented progressive work models that elevate employee wellbeing, increase productivity, and support work-life balance. These policies reflect the UAE's strategic commitment to world-class government work environments.

• Hybrid Work System - A new government standard enabling employees to work partially onsite and remotely under structured guidelines, improving focus and comfort while maintaining operational excellence.
• Flexible Work System - Allows employees to adjust working hours according to operational needs, strengthening autonomy and aligning human capital with strategic entity priorities.
• Intensive Hours (Compressed Workweek) - Distributes weekly hours across fewer days-up to 10 hours daily-reducing commuting time and supporting wellbeing without compromising efficiency. FAHR has also delivered groundbreaking family and education policies that enhance employees' quality of life:
• Extended maternity leave to 90 days with full salary
• New parental leave for both mothers and fathers, with a six-month return window
• Academic leave supporting full or partial scholarships
• Leave for exams, promoting academic success
• Entrepreneurship Leave, the first global HR policy enabling employees to establish private businesses while retaining 50% of salary for one year

These innovations redefine job security, strengthen retention, and grow national talent competitiveness.

Innovating the Learning Environment: Jahiz - A National Future-Skills Revolution

Launched in 2022, Jahiz transforms federal learning from traditional training to a dynamic, future-skills ecosystem. It is now one of the region's largest public-sector upskilling programs, preparing government talent for digital, economic, and technological shifts.

Jahiz empowers employees through micro-credentials, role-based learning journeys, masterclasses, and AI-supported recommendations. In 2024, the Jahiz Mobile App expanded learning accessibility nationwide through personalized dashboards, Future Skills Wallets, and seamless mobile learning. The program's national reach extends beyond federal employees to local government and youth audiences, reinforcing its ecosystem value.

International recognition-including the MENA Stevie Gold Award, UAE Innovates Award, Future Workplace Award, and selection by the World Economic Forum-establishes Jahiz as a global benchmark for future-ready public-sector capability development.

Enabling Advanced Working Environments Through Digital HR Systems

FAHR complements its policy and learning innovations with fully digital HR systems that optimize operations and elevate service standards across federal entities. Through modern HR platforms, integrated data warehouses, and intelligent HR services, FAHR empowers agencies with real-time data, enhances transparency, accelerates HR transactions, and strengthens employee experience across all touchpoints.

Conclusion

FAHR's integrated innovations-progressive workplace policies, the Jahiz future-skills ecosystem, and advanced digital HR technologies-collectively redefine the living, learning, and working environments of the UAE Federal Government. These pioneering solutions elevate employee wellbeing, expand access to continuous learning, enable flexible work, and drive national competitiveness. Together, they form a world-leading model of how governments can design environments that empower people and build future-ready public service excellence.