Reduced Working Hours Approved for Qatari Mothers

Qatar has approved a new initiative to grant reduced working hours for Qatari mothers employed in government entities, especially those with school-age children.

Under the pilot scheme, these women will be allowed to end their workday earlier—often by midday—during specific periods such as school vacations. The move is part of a broader effort to support working mothers and strengthen family bonds.

The initiative, coordinated by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will initially run on a trial basis.

Eligible mothers with children enrolled up to grade 12 can apply to finish their duty earlier, provided the nature of their job allows it. Exemptions apply to roles that demand continuous coverage or those essential to operational requirements.

Beyond shorter hours, the policy is linked with other flexible work arrangements being rolled out in the public sector. For instance, the new system allows Qatari mothers with children under age 12 to access remote work for up to one month annually, and government agencies will operate under a flexible work schedule of seven hours a day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with adaptable start times. 

Proponents argue that the policy respects the dual responsibilities many women face—professional and familial—and can boost productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. Critics caution about implementation challenges, such as ensuring continuity of public services and fair treatment across different roles.

As the pilot phase progresses, authorities will likely collect feedback and performance data to determine whether to expand the scheme permanently. If successful, it may serve as a model for further reforms in Qatar’s labor and human resources policies to better support working parents.