Weekends Used to Be Thursday–Friday in Dubai
Did you know that Dubai’s concept of the weekend has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades—a reflection of the city’s unique balancing act between tradition and globalization? Historically, weekends in Dubai were observed on Thursday and Friday, in line with Islamic customs, with Friday being the sacred day of congregational prayer. This schedule prioritized religious observance and cultural cohesion, aligning daily life with spiritual rhythms.
But as Dubai emerged as a major international hub in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the need for greater alignment with global business practices became clear. In 2006, the UAE shifted its official weekend to Friday and Saturday, a compromise that preserved religious observance while allowing for better synchronization with the global financial and corporate world, which largely observes a Monday to Friday workweek.
Then, in a bold and unprecedented move, the UAE—including Dubai—made headlines in 2022 by adopting a Monday to Friday workweek, becoming the first country in the Gulf region to formally align its work schedule with most of the developed world. The transition, led by the federal government, was more than symbolic—it was strategic. Designed to boost international economic competitiveness, improve cross-border trade efficiency, and support employee well-being, the reform also introduced a 4.5-day workweek for public sector employees, with Friday afternoons off to allow time for prayer and family.
Private companies were given the flexibility to follow suit or retain their existing schedules, but many, especially multinationals and tech firms, embraced the shift. The result? Dubai positioned itself even more firmly as a globally integrated yet culturally mindful city, capable of adapting with agility to the evolving dynamics of the international economy while still respecting its social and religious foundations.
This shift is more than a calendar change—it’s a powerful example of how Dubai constantly re-engineers its systems to stay relevant, resilient, and ahead of the curve in a hyper-connected world.