Is Friday and Saturday Holiday in Dubai?

By Alice Nichols

In Dubai, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, making it a unique arrangement compared to other parts of the world. This is due to cultural and religious factors that influence the working week in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Weekend in Dubai

Dubai follows a different weekend schedule compared to most Western countries, where Saturday and Sunday are typically considered days off. In Dubai, however, the weekend begins on Friday and continues through Saturday.

Why is Friday a Holiday?

The main reason behind this arrangement is that Friday holds significant religious importance for Muslims. It is considered the holy day of the week when Muslims gather for the midday congregational prayer called Jummah prayer. This prayer is obligatory for Muslim men to attend at their local mosque.

Working Days in Dubai

In Dubai, the normal working week starts on Sunday and continues through Thursday. These five working days are generally from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, but this can vary depending on the specific organization and industry.

Public Sector

In government entities and public institutions across Dubai, employees typically work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Private Sector

The private sector in Dubai generally operates from 9:00 am or 9:30 am until 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday. However, some organizations may have different timings depending on their policies or nature of work.

Impact on Businesses

This unique weekend arrangement has an impact on businesses in Dubai. It allows companies operating in international markets to align their operations with both Western countries (Sunday as a working day) and countries in the Middle East (Friday as a day off).

Tourism and Leisure Activities

The Friday-Saturday weekend in Dubai has also become advantageous for the tourism industry. Tourists visiting Dubai can enjoy extended weekends, allowing them to explore the city, visit popular attractions, and engage in various leisure activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Friday and Saturday are considered the weekend in Dubai. The arrangement of having Friday off is based on religious customs, with Friday being a holy day for Muslims. This unique weekend structure has both cultural and practical advantages for businesses and tourists alike.