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Omani social media in overdrive over UAE’s new workweek

7 Dec 2021 By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – Following the UAE’s announcement to adopt a new four-and-a-half day working week effective from January 1, 2022, Oman’s social media platforms were flooded with the news and excited reactions. The decision applies to all federal government entities in the UAE and comes with new working hours – 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 7.30am to 12pm on Friday.

According to UAE’s news agency WAM, Friday sermons and prayers across the Emirates will be held from 1.15pm. Government staff will have the option of making arrangements to work from home on Fridays, or arrange flexible working hours.

The UAE is the first nation in the world to introduce a national working week shorter than the global five-day week. The extended weekend is part of the UAE government’s efforts to boost work-life balance and enhance social wellbeing, while increasing performance to advance the country’s economic competitiveness.

Being the closest neighbour of Oman, the UAE attracts many people from the sultanate during weekends and the move is significant for frequent travellers to Dubai.

“Dubai is my preferred destination for business and my family’s favourite weekend escape. Now that their weekend will change, I will have to adjust my travels there because my friends and other family members live there,” said Sufian Jamal, whose sister lives in Abu Dhabi.

While WAM’s report noted that adopting an agile working system will enable the UAE to rapidly respond to emerging changes and enhance wellbeing in the workplace, some people in Oman hope to see a similar move here.

“My business revolves around Dubai and I visit there at least twice a month. I deal with international companies in Dubai, so the new system is a good one considering many international companies are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The move is a win-win situation for people and businesses,” said Nasser al Musallami, who deals in IT equipment.

From an economic perspective, the new working week will better align the UAE with global markets, reflecting the country’s status on the global economic map. The move will ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday/ Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international business links and opportunities for thousands of UAE-based and multinational companies.

‘The move is expected to boost not only trading opportunities but also add to the flexible, secure and enjoyable lifestyle the UAE offers to its citizens and residents,’ the WAM report said.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources proposed the new workweek following comprehensive benchmarking and feasibility studies reflecting potential impacts of the move on the economy, social and family ties and the overall wellbeing of people in the UAE.

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