UAE Government recently announced a new workweek comprising only four and a half working days. The announcement raised a lot of interest among professionals looking to work in Dubai, and especially those considering real estate jobs in Dubai. Starting from the 1st of January 2022, all government offices will be open from Monday until Thursday (7:30 until 3:30 and on Friday until 12:30. Therefore government employees will enjoy a long weekend comprising Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. From 2006 until now, Friday was officially the only day off in the UAE, with Saturday being optional. 

 

What does this mean for the private sector?

Even though the announcement was only for the government sector, many companies have already announced shifting to Saturday-Sunday weekends. Private companies who will shift to the new system need to give Muslims long breaks on Friday for them to attend prayers in the mosques. Friday prayers will be held at 1.15 pm precisely through the UAE. 

However, the question remains how many companies will decide to follow the government's example and give their employees a half-day off on Fridays. 

 

The reasons behind this change

There are several reasons why the UAE government decided to opt for the new workweek. Here are some of them:

- Two and a half-day weekend will ensure a better work-life balance. The UAE aims to enhance the social well-being of its residence, boost family ties and offer an even better quality of life. 

- Employees will have more time to expand their skillset, participate in courses and enrol in online classes. Multiple studies have shown that shorter working hours enhance employees' productivity, the same might apply to real estate jobs in Dubai.

- Longer weekends will further boost the economy. Multiple sectors have welcomed the change, especially F&B and hospitality. The booming real estate market will surely further benefit as well.

- The new weekend system will boost tourism, encouraging them to plan short breaks.

- UAE workdays will be aligned with most foreign markets, thus allowing more business and trade exchange with the world economy.

 

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