Dubai, Abu Dhabi and all Emirates change calendar: weekend will start on Friday

A momentous decision by the UAE regarding the work week. It all began with the introduction of the international weekend. This means leaving behind the weekend that started on Friday and ended on Saturday, in favor of the weekend = Saturday and Sunday formula. The real turning point, however, is represented by the short work week.

UAE, new week

A short work week is defined as a period devoted to one's employment of four and a half days. The new rules have not yet gone into effect. Everything will begin on January 1, 2022. A step toward an international model, with government employees being allowed to rest on Saturday and Sunday, walking away from their workplaces on Friday afternoon (the day of the big weekly prayer in Muslim faith countries). On this day, in fact, they will work half as much as regularly scheduled.

Reporting the news is the official Wam news agency, which points out that the decision is to apply to federal government agencies. As for the hours, here is a specific breakdown of the work week:

• Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Friday 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Beginning at 1:15 p.m. on the last working day, prayers will be held. Government employees will then be able to agree on any work to be done from home, making flexible arrangements for their schedule.

"The UAE is the first nation in the world to introduce a national work week that is shorter than the global five-day week," the agency reports. "This is part of the government's efforts to increase work-life balance, thereby improving social welfare. All this also has the clear intent of facilitating international business ties, adapting to the norms of global markets with a weekend in line with the rest of the world, or nearly so.

For the time being, these benefits are limited to a certain working class, but of course everyone will be able to take advantage of the international weekend. Different is the case for reduced working hours.

What changes for travelers

All this has obvious effects on local workers. It should be noted, however, that there are consequences for travelers who decide to set foot in the United Arab Emirates as well.. To tell the truth, these will mainly be habit changes from the conventions valid until December 31, 2021.

Many people nowadays can work in smart working. This means potentially traveling and continuing to run your own business, independent or salaried, while traveling the world. Many appreciated being able to kick off the weekend, with events and activities on the road and in clubs, as early as Friday. Two days of fun and then Sunday, i.e., work day for all locals but not for tourists, active on international schedules. This little game will come to an end soon.

A more practical change, however, will involve Friday brunches, which have become typical in the United Arab Emirates over the years. It goes without saying that the sprinkling of food and alcohol in local hotels will be moved to Saturdays.

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