Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, First Published Dec 7, 2021, 6:45 PM IST
Abu Dhabi: Expatriates in the UAE have become the talk of the town on social media following the official announcement of a change in the weekend (New weekend). As many trolls and discussions abound on social media, news of the holiday change has been widely circulated, with the UAE authorities denying it. Such a message was circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook along with a screenshot of the Khaleej Times, a leading media outlet in the UAE.
The fact is that in the past there were rumors that the holidays were changing in the UAE. The authorities have issued an explanation saying that no decision has been taken in this regard at that time. The Khaleej Times’ latest report on an explanatory memorandum issued on May 6 is being widely circulated. Unbeknownst to many, it is being shared on various WhatsApp groups and new media, including Facebook. The Khaleej Times itself has explained that a screenshot of their old news is being circulated.
Change in weekend holidays in the UAE; Saturday and Sunday are now holidays
On Tuesday (December 7, 2021) the announcement was made that the weekend holidays in the UAE had been changed. The UAE’s official news agency and the UAE media office have officially announced this. While the announcement said the new change would only apply to federal government employees, government agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have announced that they will be moving to the new system. The new weekend holidays will come into effect from January 1, 2022.
Weekend vacation change in UAE; This is how school working days change
From next year, government agencies will have four and a half days instead of the current five working days. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm and Friday from 7.30 am to 12 noon. Holidays will be on Saturdays and Sundays from noon on Friday. The government has also announced that it will allow employees to work from home on Fridays.
Announcement that the working days of private schools in Dubai will change
However, the new schedule will change the working hours of schools and colleges across the country. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has already announced that private educational institutions in Dubai will follow the new schedule and holidays. In the case of other institutions, notification from the UAE Ministry of Education is required.
Last Updated Dec 7, 2021, 6:45 PM IST
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