January 01, 2022
The United Arab Emirates has become the first country in the world to move to a four-and-a-half-day workweek as part of its efforts to boost productivity. The new workweek schedule, which commenced on January 1, 2022, sees people working from Monday to Thursday; Friday is a half-day. Previously, the UAE observed its weekend on Friday and Saturday. The government also announced that all Friday sermons and prayers will be held after 1.15pm and employees would be offered flexible working hours or work-from-home options on Friday. This change is going to make it possible to come closer to the timings of offices in the US, Europe and Asia and hopefully boost commerce.
REFLECTION: Work Too Little?
In UAE, offices have moved to a 4.5-day workweek. What is your opinion on this move?
