Unveiling the Connection: Recent MDPI Study on Working Hours and Quality of Life Featuring UAE Data

A groundbreaking study published in MDPI's Social Sciences journal on January 27, 2026, titled "Exploring the Link Between Working Hours and Quality of Life: Cross-Country Evidence from 62 Countries," delves into how average working hours (AVHs) influence quality of life (QoL) across nations. Authored by Talal H. Alsabhan and colleagues from institutions including King Saud University, the research highlights the detrimental effects of prolonged AVHs on overall well-being, with particular relevance to high-hour countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the UAE's reputation for high living standards, its workforce logs some of the world's longest hours, averaging around 52 hours per week, prompting questions about sustainability.

The study employs robust econometric models on data from 62 countries, separating developed and developing economies, to demonstrate that excessive working hours erode QoL metrics such as health, life satisfaction, and social connections. For the UAE, where labor laws cap normal hours at 48 per week under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, actual averages exceed this due to overtime and cultural norms. This paradox—long hours amid high reported happiness—fuels ongoing debates in policy and academia.

UAE Workforce: Statistics on Average Working Hours

The UAE consistently ranks among the top countries for annual labor hours, with employees averaging 2,080 hours yearly, far surpassing the OECD's 1,752-hour benchmark. In Abu Dhabi, the 5th Quality of Life Survey released in May 2025 by the Department of Community Development (DCD) revealed that most residents work over 37.4 hours weekly, yet 93.6% feel safe and satisfied overall. Private sector norms often mean 8 hours over 6 days, while public sector shifts to 4.5-day weeks since 2022 have eased some pressure.

Breakdown from earlier Abu Dhabi QoL data (2019/2020):

• 22.2% work 41-45 hours/week
• Many exceed 48 hours with overtime

Abu Dhabi Quality of Life Surveys: Happiness Despite Long Hours

Conducted biennially, Abu Dhabi's QoL surveys provide granular insights. The latest iteration shows high scores in safety (93.6%) and affordability, but flags work-life balance as needing improvement due to extended hours. Respondents report happiness levels above global averages, attributed to competitive salaries, tax-free income, and vibrant expat communities comprising 88% of the population.

Yet, studies like "Do Employees Experience and Perceive Work Time Differently?" using 2019/2020 survey data, reveal negative correlations between hours worked and well-being domains like health and job satisfaction. Longer shifts disrupt sleep, family time, and leisure, mirroring global trends where 55+ hours weekly raise stroke risk by 35% per WHO-ILO.

Key Findings from the MDPI Cross-Country Analysis

The MDPI study analyzes AVHs' role in QoL variance using panel data and fixed-effects models. Core finding: A one-hour AVH increase reduces QoL scores by significant margins, more pronounced in developing economies. For UAE, positioned as a high-AVH nation (52 hours), this implies potential QoL drags despite GDP strengths.

Authors recommend policy interventions like hour caps and flexible models.Read the full MDPI study

Global Comparisons: UAE vs. World Leaders in Work Hours

UAE tops lists alongside Pakistan and Qatar at 52 hours, contrasting Germany's 34. Comparatively, shorter-hour nations like Netherlands report superior QoL. The study notes developing countries suffer more, as UAE's oil-driven economy incentivizes overtime.

Photo by Ford Edwards on Unsplash

Health and Mental Impacts of Extended Working Hours

Prolonged hours link to stress, depression, and cardiovascular issues. In UAE, Cigna surveys show 22% face unmanageable stress. Step-by-step: Long shifts reduce sleep (UAE avg 6.5 hours), impair immunity, elevate cortisol, and strain relationships—eroding QoL holistically.

• 35% higher stroke risk at 55+ hours
• Reduced family time affects child outcomes
• Higher absenteeism despite presence

Working Hours and Quality of Life in UAE Higher Education

UAE universities like University of Sharjah pioneered 4-day weeks since 2022, boosting student performance and faculty satisfaction. Studies on women administrators reveal work-family imbalance from 50+ hour loads, impacting retention. Academics juggle teaching, research, admin—51% report stress from hours per surveys.Explore higher ed jobs in UAE for balanced opportunities.

Explore career advice on maintaining work-life balance in academia via higher ed career advice.

Government Reforms and Initiatives Addressing Work-Life Balance

Federal Decree 33/2021 introduced flexible hours, 30-min breaks after 4 hours, and Ramadan reductions. Public sector 4.5-day week (Mon-Fri, half Fri) cuts weekly load. Emiratisation pushes local hires with better protections. Sharjah's model: productivity up 20%, burnout down.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies

Expat professionals praise tax benefits offsetting hours; locals seek family time. Case: University of Sharjah—faculty report 15% QoL gain post-4-day shift. DCD surveys stakeholders urging hybrid models.

Solutions, Best Practices, and Actionable Insights

Implement flexible scheduling, wellness programs, time-tracking apps. For academics: prioritize research blocks, delegate admin. Employers: audit hours quarterly.

• Adopt 4-day models proven in UAE unis
• Mandatory 1-hour breaks
• Wellness apps for stress monitoring

Individuals: boundary-setting, hobbies. Rate your professors and share experiences.

Photo by Graphic Node on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Trends and Policy Recommendations

With UAE Vision 2031 emphasizing happiness, expect stricter enforcement, AI productivity tools reducing hours. MDPI study calls for AVH reductions to boost QoL sustainably. Higher ed leads with innovative schedules.

In conclusion, while UAE thrives economically, optimizing working hours is key to sustaining quality of life. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice for balanced paths. Professionals, check rate my professor for insights.