Federal government departments in the UAE are to change their working week from January 1, 2022, with much of the country expected to follow suit.
Public sector workers at the ministerial level will adopt a four and a half day working week, with employees working Monday to Thursday. There will be a half day on Fridays.
Saturday and Sunday will be the new weekend for government workers.
The Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments said their employees would adopt the same hours. The National understands all schools will move to the same working week on the first day of term, with hours expected to be announced soon.
The decision "will better align the Emirates with global markets, reflecting the country’s strategic status on the global economic map", the UAE Government Media Office said.
The new long weekend will "boost productivity and improve work-life balance"
The move is expected to boost not only trading opportunities but also add to the flexible, secure and enjoyable lifestyle the Emirates offers its citizens and residents," it added.
The new system will mean federal and many local government workers will work from 7.30am to 3.30pm on Monday to Thursday and from 7.30am to noon on Friday. There is the possibility of flexible working and work-from-home options on Fridays, officials said.
