Weekends Used to Be Thursday–Friday in Dubai

Did you know that Dubai’s concept of the weekend has evolved dramatically over the years? Originally, weekends in Dubai were observed on Thursday and Friday, aligning with Islamic traditions where Friday is considered a holy day. However, in 2006, the weekend shifted to Friday and Saturday to strike a balance between religious customs and the international business week.

Then, in a bold and unprecedented move, Dubai—and the wider UAE—adopted a Monday to Friday workweek starting in 2022, making it the first country in the Gulf region to officially align its weekend with most of the world. This strategic change was designed to enhance global business integration, boost economic competitiveness, and support employee well-being with a 4.5-day workweek for government employees, effectively giving them Friday afternoons off. It’s a prime example of how Dubai adapts quickly to remain both culturally grounded and globally connected.

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