The United Arab Emirates government announced a new weekend for all federal government employees effective Saturday January 1, 2022. The new changes across the UAE will see government employees working from Monday to Thursday with a half day on Friday, creating a four-and-a-half day working week. Saturday and Sunday will become the new weekend in the UAE for federal government employees in the New Year.
The massive UAE working week and weekend shift will no doubt impact everyone. As of this writing, no specific instructions have been made for the private sector, but keep it locked here for all of the latest updates on the new United Arab Emirates weekend.
If you’re wondering how the UAE’s 2022 work week will affect you and your family, as well as what is going to happen to Friday brunch, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about what the UAE work week will impact. See below for the answers to all your questions about the UAE government’s new weekend:
And for more details about the UAE government working week update 2022 click here.
To find out more details about the new school schedule click here.
To see when the next 2022 UAE holiday is click here.
Workdays
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is: How will the latest UAE government update impact workdays? In the announcement from Tuesday December 7, the change currently applies to federal government employees.
No specific instructions have been made for general public or private sector, but experts are encouraging the private sector to follow suit with the government changes.
Will all employees in the UAE get Saturday and Sunday off? It seems likely that those working in the public and private sectors will shift their work weeks to be in line with the UAE federal government.
The Dubai government and Abu Dhabi government have both announced they would implement the four-and-a-half day work weeks to be in line with the UAE’s update.
Watch this space for more breaking news.
The announcement stated the UAE work week change “is intended to boost productivity and improve work-life balance while aligning the UAE with global markets”.
Holidays
Everyone always wants to know: When is the next UAE public holiday. In 2022, it is reported that Sunday January 2 will be a day off for workers given the new changes. That means a longer New Year’s celebration.
The official 2022 United Arab Emirates holiday schedule had previously listed Saturday January 1 as an approved public and private sector holiday for employees, but it was already a day off due to the weekend.
#UAE announces holidays for public, private sector for 2021-2022.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/vq7Aoy2RGQ
— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) December 19, 2020
We could also see more bumper holidays to ensure a transition to the new four-and-a-half day school and work week. (We’re crossing our fingers.) Stay tuned for further UAE holiday announcements.
School
Schools will shift their schedules to be in line with the new UAE government working week. The same day the UAE government weekend update was revealed, it was stated that all public and private schools in the United Arab Emirates will adopt a new timeline in line with the federal government. The change will see UAE pupils attending lessons from Monday to Thursday, with a half day on Friday. Students’ new weekends will be the remainder of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) tweeted that the private education sector in Dubai will be open in line with the new UAE government changes.
The announcement stated, it would be “working closely with [its] community to ensure a smooth transition”.
Families
How will the UAE new working week/weekend schedule impact families? With schools already announcing changes to their timetables to be in sync with the government update, parents across different sectors are likely wondering how they will balance the new schedule.
School boards that have shared changes have promised “smooth transitions” and to work with their communities to ensure a successful and easy change for all families.
And in the update for UAE federal government workers, it stated “there will also be flexible working hours and work-from-home options on Fridays” to make things easier.
Additionally, it is probable that public and private sector employees will tweak their present work schedules so everyone will have a unified work week and weekend.
Brunch
Friday brunch is a staple part of the week for countless people from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and many are curious about how the UAE’s new weekend will impact brunch. It remains to be seen how widespread the new UAE weekend policy will be for the public and private sectors, but we doubt brunch will be negatively impacted.
Foodies across the emirates will still want to enjoy their off hours at a delicious brunch. The new work week schedule could lead to a rise in afternoon and evening brunches on Fridays, as well as a surge in new Saturday brunches.
We could also see new Sunday foodie trends. Sunday roasts are always popular for expats, whether they go out or enjoy them in the comfort of home. And having Sundays off could see more people going to their local to tuck into the traditional Sunday roast.
Ladies’ nights
Let’s not forget about ladies’ nights deals. We anticipate bars and lounges will tweak their specials to get people out on their new working days, as well as on their days off. And we’ll be keeping you updated with all of the best ladies’ night deals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond, as well as the top deals for gents.
One thing is certain: UAE residents love to enjoy their days off and new foodie experiences, and UAE restaurants and bars continue to deliver. Get ready for the delicious possibilities.
Flights
The United Arab Emirates’ new weekend has many dreaming of travelling possibilities. If you’re looking to jet somewhere, Thursday nights could be the best time to bag yourself an inexpensive flight.
We’ll be paying close attention to Friday flights as well as those returning on Sunday. In the meantime, start planning your travel bucket list.
Want to know more about the United Arab Emirates working week 2022? For more about the UAE new weekend click here.
