The government of the United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday that it is moving federal employees to a four-and-a-half day work week.
The weekend will start at 12 p.m. on Friday and run until Sunday night. The weekend runs from Thursday night to Saturday night.
The move would ensure longer weekends to boost productivity and improve work life balance.
December 7, 2021.
The workday will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The government said Friday.
It's not clear if companies in the private sector will follow suit.
Saudi Arabia is one of many Muslim-majority countries that operate a Sunday-to-Thursday week.
The new weekend structure would help the United States align with other global powers on trade.
The government said in a statement that it would ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday and Sunday weekend.
Business leaders believe that a shorter working week can lead to increased productivity and better quality of life for employees.
Few countries have followed the UK in moving to a four-day work week.
The trials in New Zealand, New Zealand, and Japan showed that employee wellbeing improved and productivity rose under the new conditions.
