The United Arab Emirates declared that it will move towards a four-and-a-half-day work week. Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday will be the new weekend starting January 1st, 2022 for all Federal Government Employees.
The Federal department employees will work from 7.30pm to 3.30pm, with 8.5 working hours per day. On Friday, the employees will work for 4.5 hours. They will also be provided with a flexible work from home options. The longer weekend is an initiative of the government to boost employee morale, productivity and improve work-life balance.
The authorities said that UAE is the first country to introduce a working week shorter than the global five-day week.