UAE Becomes First Nation To Shorten Five-Day Work Week
Image ID 151305703 © via Saletomic | Dreamstime.com
In recent years, many countries have trialed the idea of a four-day work week with varying levels of success. The radical change has received overwhelming support in nations including Scotland, Iceland, and Japan, though none have officially implemented it yet.
Earlier this week, the United Arab Emirates became the first country to officially decree a national workweek shorter than the usual five days we’re accustomed to. Beginning next year, companies in the nation will work four and a half days, with the weekend from noon on Friday through Sunday.
According to My Modern Met, this change is an even bigger one for firms in the Middle East, as employees typically work from Sunday through Thursday, with Friday being an off day for religious observance of Muslim prayers.
“Adopting an agile working system will enable the UAE to rapidly respond to emerging changes and enhance wellbeing in the workplace,” said a statement from the Emirates News Agency.
“From an economic perspective, the new working week will better align the UAE with global markets, reflecting the country’s strategic status on the global economic map. It will ensure smooth financial, trade, and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday/Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international business links and opportunities for thousands of UAE-based and multinational companies.”
In addition to aligning the country with others in the world, the government believes the longer weekend will promote a better work-life balance for employees. To facilitate the change, Friday prayers at mosques will be held at 1.15pm instead of at noon, giving staff enough time to wrap up work at midday. Companies will be encouraged to give staff more flexibility, such as the option to work from home on Fridays.
At the moment, the shift only applies to federal employees, though those in the private sector are expected to follow suit. Several universities will also be adjusting their schedules to fit with the new workweek.
#UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021
All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9
[via My Modern Met, cover image via Saletomic | Dreamstime.com]
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