Official Working Hours and Prayer Timings Announced as per New Weekend

Following the new four-and-a-half day work week system announced by the UAE Government yesterday, the authorities have clarified the working hours and prayer timings to fit the new schedule.

Official Working Hours

The UAE Government Media Office announced the work timings as per the new rule. As per the document released by the Media Office, work week begins on Monday and end on Thursday with employees working 8 hours a day. On the holy day of Friday, employees will work only for four and a half hours.

According to the official order, work hours are set from 7:30 AM till 3:30 PM from Monday through Thursday. On Friday, however, work hours are set from 7:30 AM to 12 PM.

Government officials on the other hand, have the flexibility to work from home on Fridays. They could also set their working hours on a flexi-time basis.

#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

Friday Sermons and Prayers

The official announcement from the UAE Government Media Office also provided information on the Friday sermons and prayers. As per the new timings, Friday sermons and prayers all over the UAE will be held from 1:15 PM throughout the year.

According to the official announcement by the UAE Government Media Office, there are no Shariah texts that decide a specific day for a holiday.

The Media Office also clarified on the question, “Does working on Friday contradict Sharia and religious teachings, especially since prayers are held on Fridays?”

The Media Office quoted the Quranic verse, “O you who have believed, when [the azan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew!'

As per the official statement released by the Media Office, work hours on Friday will end before the Friday sermons and prayers are offered.