The UAE government places significant emphasis on the workforce, deeply committed to ensuring employee well-being in all forms. It recognizes employees as vital contributors who play a crucial role in advancing society across all dimensions. To support this vision, the government is actively strengthening the sector through various initiatives aligned with its long-term goals. Recently, the UAE government issued a new regulation regarding the updated weekly work schedule, introducing several new provisions. Explore how this new system works in detail.
About the New Weekly Work System
The new weekly work system in the UAE includes four and a half days
The new weekly work system is a recently announced law by the UAE government, specifically targeting the federal government sector. It mandates that the weekly workweek consist of four and a half days instead of the previous five. This change will be implemented across all federal government entities throughout the country, aiming to achieve broader objectives related to economic and social development.
Days and Working Hours under the New Work System
The new work schedule in the UAE involves working from Monday to Thursday, plus half a day on Friday, making Saturday and Sunday the official weekend. The specific schedule is as follows:
Monday – Thursday (8 hours): 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Half-day Friday (4.5 hours): 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
In Sharjah, a similar adjustment has been announced, aligning with the emirate’s vision to adopt a four-day workweek from Monday to Thursday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with the official holiday spanning Friday through Sunday—three consecutive days.
Beyond these changes, the new system allows for remote work on Fridays once federal entities finalize their implementation procedures. Additionally, the time for Friday prayers and sermons has been standardized nationwide at 1:15 PM throughout the year.
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Objectives of the New Work System
The implementation of the new weekly work system aims to achieve key national goals set by the UAE government and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. One major objective is integrating the national economy more closely with global markets and economies. By aligning business and financial activities with countries that observe Saturday and Sunday as weekends, the UAE ensures better coordination with international trade, financial exchanges, and global stock markets.
On the operational level, the new system is expected to boost productivity within the public sector and enhance the ability to quickly adapt to emerging changes and developments. Socially, it will positively impact family life by providing a longer weekend, promoting a healthier balance between personal life and professional responsibilities.
When Will the New Work System Begin?
The new weekly work system in the UAE will begin on January 1, 2022
The new weekly work system will officially commence on January 1, 2022, with January 2, 2022, designated as an official holiday. School operating hours for public institutions will be announced at a later date.
We’ve provided comprehensive details about the new weekly work system, including key information such as the revised workdays, changes to the weekend break in 2021, and other relevant updates. You may also explore our guide on UAE Leave Policies for complete insights. For further clarity, consider reviewing the process for obtaining a night work permit in Dubai. We hope this saves you time and effort. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to follow the official May Bayt Group page on Facebook.
