Flexible working hours launched in Riyadh to reduce traffic congestion
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, announced the implementation of flexible working hours at six key work sites in the capital, effective June 2, 2026. This strategic initiative aims to reduce increasing traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of urban mobility within the city, which is experiencing unprecedented rapid population and economic growth.
Context of urban development in the capital, Riyadh
This move comes at a time when the Saudi capital is experiencing a massive development boom in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Over the past few years, Riyadh has faced traffic challenges resulting from the continuous influx of international and local investments and companies, leading to increased pressure on the main road network during morning and evening peak hours. Hence, the need arises for innovative regulatory solutions such as flexible working hours to complement the major projects currently underway, most notably the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project (Riyadh Metro and Buses).
Details of the flexible working hours application and target groups
The Royal Commission explained that the current phase of the initiative includes more than 50 governmental and private entities, distributed across six key vital locations: the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Digital City, the Diplomatic Quarter, Lissen Valley, Granada Business, and Roshan Waterfront.
The new mechanism is based on extending the daily attendance and departure window for employees to four consecutive hours. For entities subject to the Civil Service Law, flexible working hours will be from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM. For government entities subject to the Labor Law, flexible attendance will be from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Expected impact of the initiative on quality of life and the economy
This initiative is expected to have a tangible positive impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, it will improve the quality of life and daily work experience for employees by reducing time wasted in traffic congestion, which will positively affect their mental health and productivity. It will also contribute to reducing carbon emissions resulting from vehicles being parked for extended periods, supporting the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Regionally and internationally, these smart regulatory solutions enhance Riyadh’s attractiveness as a global financial and administrative center that attracts the regional headquarters of multinational companies, as cities that adopt smart transportation systems and flexible work are classified as attractive environments for living and investment.
Exemption of vital sectors to ensure the continuity of services
To ensure that essential services provided to citizens and residents are not affected, the new regulations exempt vital sectors whose nature of work requires continuous, round-the-clock operation. These sectors include public education and healthcare, as well as field and operational jobs that rely on fixed work schedules to ensure full operational efficiency.
