The four-day working week is gaining traction in small sections of the UAE, offering a glimpse into what could become the new normal.
In Dubai, both government and private companies are testing the waters on reducing working hours, with many employees reporting better work-life balance and increased productivity as a result.
The four-day week is being tested in segments of Dubai's public sector by a government-led pilot programme that finishes at the end of the month. Meanwhile, private businesses such as UAE-based digital marketers Active have already made the transition.
But doubters still wonder if some sectors of the economy can adapt to a reduced work week without compromising service quality or corporate expansion.
To find out more, The National spoke to employers and employees across the country who have adopted the model.
For many, the decision to switch to a four-day week came about as a way to get staff back into the office after the pandemic. Active's managing partner, Louay Al Samarrai, said that after working remotely from home during Covid, the company needed to find something that worked for everyone.
“We were looking at what we can do that combines the element of work-life balance, but at the same time has that element of people being in the office,” he said. “I have never been a fan of just working remotely, from the mental health point of view, with people being cut off from colleagues and not having that interaction in the office."
There are companies here that need to survive, grow and build. Doing four days a week will only restrict them
David Mackenzie,
Mackenzie Jones
Mr Al Samarri discovered a compromise when it came to getting staff back in the office. “We then hit upon the idea that this [four-day week] was a happy medium, and gives our team the kind of work-life balance they need, because they get Friday, Saturday and Sunday to themselves.” The only caveat was the four working days had to be spent on site, not working remotely from home.
The switch to the new model was initially met with scepticism by Active's staff members, admitted Mr Al Samarrai. There were concerns that working one fewer day a week would lead to salary reductions.
“We told them the salary would be the same,” he said. “The only change was we were working for four days instead of five. We started half an hour earlier in the morning, at 8.30am, and finished half an hour later, at 6.30pm.”
Trying to compress five days' work into four understandably came with a few challenges, conceded Mr Al Samarrai. However, it didn't take long for staff to adapt, he added.
“Now, there are no issues with it. People are more than capable of adapting to it and we love our three-day weekends. There's no way we would go back.”
A 2021 survey by Henley Business School in the UK found that a four-day working week helped employers attract and retain staff. Research in 2019 had found the biggest barrier to businesses implementing a four-day week was concern about being available for customers. However, since the pandemic the number of business owners with this fear had fallen from 82 per cent to 75 per cent.
No going back
One employment expert who recently made the switch to a four-day working week is Claire Donnelly, a senior consultant at Mike Hoff Consulting. She made the permanent move from a five-day working week earlier this year, and now cannot see any way she would welcome a return to the traditional working week.
“It did take a little while to get myself used to only working four days a week, but there's no way you can go back to working five days once you get used to it,” she said. “You just have to make sure you're focused and disciplined to get your work done in the time you have. You will have less downtime during the four days because of the need to be more focused.”
As far as Ms Donnelly is concerned, a four-day working week is not just a trend – it is going to become the norm in years to come across the board. Not only will it be productive, she said, but it would also make a firm more appealing to potential employees.
“I don't think it's all that far away from happening across the private sector. I don't think it's many years away,” she said. “I'm forever saying to my clients, 'if I can give you one piece of advice, you need to start thinking about it, because it's going to happen'.”
One firm considering trialling a shorter working week is BLS Lad chartered accountants in Dubai. The company's associate manager Parimal Lad told The National that staff are being surveyed on their response to a four-day week.
“We're considering adopting it for a two to three-month period and at the end of that we'll see how our productivity has been affected and how our staff have taken to it,” he said. “We're talking internally at the minute and then we'll speak to clients to see how it might affect their needs.”
On trial
Dubai’s trial of a four-day working week for select government staff has the potential to boost productivity and encourage the private sector to follow suit, according to employment experts in the UAE.
The pilot scheme, called Our Flexible Summer and launched by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, has seen work suspended on Fridays and the working day reduced to seven hours across 15 government organisations from August 12 to September 30.
Several trials have taken place across the world, including parts of the UAE in recent years. In 2022, Sharjah implemented a permanent four-day working week when the UAE switched to a four-and-a-half-day week that January.
The National spoke to government workers in Dubai who are currently working on the four-day model. They said they were able to achieve similar results to their previously typical schedule, despite tighter deadlines created by working one fewer day a week.
Roudha Al Qahtani, a business support officer at Dubai Customs, said the initiative enabled her to achieve more than she expected in only four days.
“Well-planned tasks that are fixed within a time frame help me achieve the same in the four days,” Ms Al Qahtani told The National. “These four days can actually make me focused and not postpone any achievable tasks to the week after or to Friday, as it used to be.” She also said she found her weekends more relaxing and returned to work on Monday with more drive.
Mohamed Al Ansaari, who works at Dragon Oil, a subsidiary of Dubai-owned Enoc, still does a half a day on Fridays but only works for seven hours, rather than eight and a half, from Monday to Thursday.
Mr Al Ansaari says his work-life balance has never been better, and told The National: “I prefer to work this way. On Fridays, we can start preparing for the next week.”
He said he has more time to pursue hobbies and spend time with his family, and generally feels more rested and able to work when required. He added that he always felt tired working his regular hours and the reduction significantly improved that, enabling him to work more efficiently.
Sarah Al Hathboor, a human resources officer with Dubai Courts, said that immediately after the initiative took effect, many employees reported feeling more balanced and focused at work.
“There has been a clear and positive difference in staff,” said Ms Al Hathboor. “There's a noticeable increase in overall morale, with staff appearing less stressed and more balanced. This has led to improved collaboration, better communication, and higher engagement in team projects.”
She also said employees felt less burnt out and were more determined to get their daily tasks done, which has improved individual and team performance. She said that “the overall atmosphere has become more positive and productive”.
Unconvinced
Not everyone is sure a four-day working environment would be practical, given that many sectors face a burgeoning workload. One such person is David Mackenzie, group managing director of Dubai-based recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones.
“The reality is, if people think they can do their job in four days a week, then brilliant,” he said. “But I would say, in my industry we are constantly on the go. What's going to happen to candidates who want to speak to [staff] on a Friday? Do they not answer the phone to clients?”
Mr Mackenzie said Dubai attracts some of the hardest working talent available, so compressing a working week by 20 per cent seems infeasible. “There are companies here that need to survive and need to grow and build. Doing four days a week will only restrict them. People are already working really hard here, more so than anywhere else in the world.”
Watch – Dubai to trial four-day working week
Emiratisation at work
Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago
It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.
Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers
The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension
President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.
During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development
More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics
The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens
UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere
The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The biog
Name: Dr Lalia Al Helaly
Education: PhD in Sociology from Cairo
Favourite authors: Elif Shafaq and Nizar Qabbani.
Favourite music: classical Arabic music such as Um Khalthoum and Abdul Wahab,
She loves the beach and advises her clients to go for meditation.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
Job: Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb from Beautiful Peopl
The biog
Age: 30
Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium
Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology
Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging
Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
|
1.
|
United States
|
|
2.
|
China
|
|
3.
|
UAE
|
|
4.
|
Japan
|
|
5
|
Norway
|
|
6.
|
Canada
|
|
7.
|
Singapore
|
|
8.
|
Australia
|
|
9.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
10.
|
South Korea
|
THE BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.
Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.
Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.
Results:
Women:
1. Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) 322.95 points
2. Lysanne Richard (CAN) 285.75
3. Ellie Smart (USA) 277.70
Men:
1. Gary Hunt (GBR) 431.55
2. Constantin Popovici (ROU) 424.65
3. Oleksiy Prygorov (UKR) 392.30
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours.
The package
Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.
RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp
Torque: 240Nm
Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)
On sale: Now
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Country-size land deals
US interest in purchasing territory is not as outlandish as it sounds. Here's a look at some big land transactions between nations:
Louisiana Purchase
If Donald Trump is one who aims to broker "a deal of the century", then this was the "deal of the 19th Century". In 1803, the US nearly doubled in size when it bought 2,140,000 square kilometres from France for $15 million.
Florida Purchase Treaty
The US courted Spain for Florida for years. Spain eventually realised its burden in holding on to the territory and in 1819 effectively ceded it to America in a wider border treaty.
Alaska purchase
America's spending spree continued in 1867 when it acquired 1,518,800 km2 of Alaskan land from Russia for $7.2m. Critics panned the government for buying "useless land".
The Philippines
At the end of the Spanish-American War, a provision in the 1898 Treaty of Paris saw Spain surrender the Philippines for a payment of $20 million.
US Virgin Islands
It's not like a US president has never reached a deal with Denmark before. In 1917 the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25m and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.
Gwadar
The most recent sovereign land purchase was in 1958 when Pakistan bought the southwestern port of Gwadar from Oman for 5.5bn Pakistan rupees.
Bawaal%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nitesh%20Tiwari%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Varun%20Dhawan%2C%20Janhvi%20Kapoor%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Jawan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAtlee%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Nayanthara%2C%20Vijay%20Sethupathi%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
READ MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
