The UAE government recently announced a change in the working week schedule for public sector employees.
On 3 January 2022, the UAE public sector is moving to a 4 ½ workday week, with employees working from Monday to mid-day Friday instead of Sunday to Thursday. Friday afternoon starting at 12:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday will be the new weekend days.
It is expected that most other states and sectors will follow suit, although this has not been formally announced. The intention is to better align the Emirates with the global market, increase productivity, improve work-life balance and allow for afternoon prayer on Fridays. The officials have said there are possible flexible working arrangements and work from home options on Friday.