Weekly Off in UAE: A Quick Rundown

A weekly off is a day off granted from the regular workweek. The employee will have a better lifestyle and a positive work-life harmony as a result. Weekly days off gives employees an opportunity to devote more time with their families and improve their social wellness.

The implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which will govern employment practices and labour relations in the UAE, has been announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The previous UAE Labor Law (UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 1980), which will be completely replaced by the New UAE Labor Law, has seen several significant changes throughout the years.

Provisions and substantial modifications to Weekly off under the New UAE Labor Law

There is no defined weekly off day, as stated in Article 21 of the new UAE labour legislation. In accordance with the terms of the employment contract or work rule, the employee should get a paid weekly off that lasts at least one day. UAE law has given private sector businesses the freedom to pick their off day.

In the GCC Region, the UAE has taken the lead in rethinking its workweek in order to better fit with international markets. The new labour laws won’t adversely impact production while improving the lives of the workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a five-day workweek or two days weekly off required in the United Arab Emirates?

   Although a two-day weekly off is not mandatory in the UAE, many companies in the UAE offer two days in order to make their employees productive and enhance social wellness.

2. What is the required minimum duration of weekly off?

   The weekly off must be at least one day long for the employees.

3. When is the federal employee’s weekly off?

   The employees of the federal government are granted a two-and-a-half-day weekly off, from Friday afternoon till Sunday, in all the emirates except Sharjah. In Sharjah, entire Friday is considered as a weekly off.

4. Is there any specification for weekly off for private-sector employees?

   There is no specification in new law regarding the weekly day off. The UAE law has provided the freedom of choice to the private sector companies to choose their day off.

5. When is the banking industry’s weekly off in the UAE?

   The banking industry’s official weekly off is on Sunday. Every bank in the United Arab Emirates is operational in all other days including Friday.

6. Do the employees qualify for full pay on the weekly offs?

   On weekly offs, they are entitled for their full wage.

7. Can the company require the worker to work back-to-back weekly offs?

   Except for day workers, no employee may be required to work more than two consecutive weekly offs.

8. What will happen if the employees are asked to work during the weekly off?

   If the circumstances require that the worker works on the weekly off specified in the employment contract or work regulation, employee shall be compensated with another day off or employee shall be paid the wage of that day according to the wage established for normal working days, plus an increase of not less than (50%) fifty per cent of the basic wage for that day.

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