Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates announced that it will adopt a four and a half day working week with Saturday and Sunday as full days off.

The new decision will apply to federal government entities, UAE’s media office said, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.

The official working hours from Monday to Thursday will be between 7:30am until 3:30pm.

As for Fridays, the working hours will be a 4.5-hour day, from 7:30am until 12pm. Friday sermons will be held after 1:15pm.

#UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.

All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021

Additionally, the media office noted that it would allow the possibility of flexible working hours and work-from-home options on Fridays.

All UAE federal government departments will switch to the new weekend starting Jan. 1, 2022.