UAE Weekend Shift: How Businesses Adapted to the New Working Week

Updated: August 2026
Originally published: January 2022

The UAE’s transition to a new working week marked one of the most significant changes to the country’s business environment in recent years. The move from a Friday-Saturday weekend to a Saturday-Sunday weekend was introduced to strengthen alignment with global markets, improve international business connectivity, and support employee wellbeing.

While the public sector adopted a Monday-Friday working week with a half-day Friday schedule, private sector companies were given flexibility in adapting their own working arrangements. Businesses across the UAE reviewed policies covering working hours, remote work, employee wellbeing, and operational needs.

According to research by WTW, many private sector employers supported the weekend change and viewed it as an opportunity to create a more flexible working environment.

Businesses Embraced the New Weekend Structure

A WTW pulse survey of 120 private sector companies operating in the UAE found that the majority of businesses supported the move to the new Saturday-Sunday weekend.

The research showed that:

• 61% of businesses planned to move to the new Saturday-Sunday weekend structure.
• Only 3% intended to maintain the previous Friday-Saturday weekend.
• 36% of companies were still reviewing their approach during the transition period.

The shift reflected the UAE’s growing role as an international business hub, where alignment with global working patterns is important for trade, investment, and cross-border cooperation.

Remote Work Became Part of the Transition

One of the key issues for businesses was how to manage Friday, particularly as many employees needed flexibility to balance family, education, and personal commitments.

The WTW survey found that:

• 19% of private sector employers planned to guarantee employees the option to work from home on Fridays.
• 30% were considering introducing such flexibility.
• 51% said Friday would not automatically become a remote working day.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic had already accelerated the adoption of flexible working models, making remote and hybrid arrangements more common across many UAE companies.

Employee Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance

The weekend change also encouraged companies to review their employee policies.

The survey found that:

• 39% of businesses believed the changes would improve employees’ work-life balance.
• 52% had changed or were reconsidering their wellbeing policies.

Companies increasingly focused on flexible working arrangements, employee engagement, and creating workplace policies that reflect a diverse workforce.

Business Operations and Friday Arrangements

While many companies adopted the new weekend structure, businesses also considered operational requirements, particularly regarding regional and international clients.

The survey revealed that:

• 22% of companies expected some employees to be available on Sundays due to business needs.
• 52% wanted Sunday to remain a full day off for all staff.

For companies operating across the Gulf region and internationally, maintaining business continuity remained a priority.

Respecting Friday Religious Commitments

Companies also considered how to accommodate Friday prayer requirements.

Among businesses operating throughout Friday:

• 62% planned to provide longer prayer breaks.
• 22% were considering similar arrangements.

This reflected the UAE’s approach of balancing international business practices with local cultural and religious considerations.

A Long-Term Shift in UAE Business Culture

The UAE’s working week transition represented more than a change in the calendar. It was part of a broader strategy to enhance competitiveness, attract international investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a global business centre.

For companies operating in the UAE, the change demonstrated the importance of workplace flexibility, employee wellbeing, and adaptation to evolving economic conditions.

The weekend shift has since become an established part of the UAE’s modern business environment, helping organisations operate more effectively within global markets.

About the Survey

The UAE Weekend Shift Report was based on responses from 120 private sector businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates. The survey was conducted in the second half of December 2021 and focused on private sector organisations rather than government entities.

Source:
The National – UAE private sector employers and the new weekend shift

Photo: Dubai Marina skyline illuminated at night, with skyscrapers reflecting on the water.

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