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The UAE will officially transition into the new 4.5-day work week, starting Saturday January 1, 2022
26 December 2021
| Last updated on 27 December 2021
Starting January 1, 2022 the UAE will shift into the new four-and-a-half-day work week. The change will apply for all employees in the public sector, as well as some private sector workers and students.
What does this mean for government employees?
Public sector workers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah will shift to a new two-and-half day weekend; Friday half-day, Saturday, and Sunday, with work resuming on Monday.
Employees for the Sharjah government will enjoy a full three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Are private companies and schools required to shift work weeks?
While many private companies have already announced that they will be shifting to a Saturday-Sunday weekend, it's currently not mandatory for employees in private companies to follow the Monday-Friday work week.
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Officials have not given an official announcement that private firms and schools are required to transition to the new weekend model.
Employers in the private sector, as well as private school students, are advised to check with their employer/school if any changes are being introduced to the weekly off-days.
