For decades, the "Gulf Work Week" was famous for being different from the rest of the world. While London, New York, and Tokyo worked Monday to Friday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations operated on a Saturday to Wednesday or Sunday to Thursday schedule, respecting Friday as the holy day of Islamic congregation.

However, the region is transforming. In a historic shift to align with global markets, the UAE changed its weekend in 2022. Saudi Arabia is considering its own economic reforms. For expatriates moving to the region in 2025, the answer to "When is the weekend?" depends entirely on which country—and sometimes which sector—you are working in.

This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of working hours, weekends, break times, and Ramadan schedules across the six GCC nations. Whether you are scheduling regional meetings or planning your family time, understanding these rhythms is essential for professional success and personal balance.

Table of Contents

  • The Great Weekend Shift: UAE vs. The Rest
  • Country-by-Country Working Hour Breakdown
  • The Significance of Friday: Prayer and Culture
  • Ramadan: The Month That Changes Everything
  • Private vs. Public Sector Differences
  • Overtime and "On-Call" Expectations
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The Great Weekend Shift: UAE vs. The Rest

The biggest source of confusion for newcomers (and regional managers) is the split in weekend schedules.

The UAE Model (Saturday-Sunday Weekend)

Effective since January 1, 2022, the United Arab Emirates officially shifted its public sector weekend to Saturday and Sunday, with Friday being a half-working day (ending at 12:00 PM) to allow for Jumu'ah (Friday prayers).

In Practice for Private Sector: Most multinational corporations (MNCs) and private businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have followed suit, adopting a standard Monday–Friday work week with Saturday and Sunday off. This aligns perfectly with Europe and Asia markets.

Note: Some local private companies still operate on a Monday-Saturday (half day) schedule, or even stick to the old Friday-Saturday off, though this is becoming rare.

The Traditional Model (Friday-Saturday Weekend)

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman currently adhere to the traditional Friday and Saturday weekend. Their work week runs from Sunday to Thursday.

Impact on Business: This creates a "split" regional work week.
- Sunday: The rest of GCC works; UAE is off (in public sector/some private).
- Friday: UAE works (morning); rest of GCC is off.
- Monday-Thursday: The "Golden Days" where everyone is working simultaneously.

Pro Tip: If you are in a regional role based in Dubai covering Saudi Arabia, expect your Sundays to be busy with emails from Riyadh, even if you are technically "off."

Country-by-Country Working Hour Breakdown

Let's look at the specific legal maximums and norms for each nation.

1. Saudi Arabia (KSA)

  • Standard Work Week: Sunday to Thursday.
  • Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week / 8 hours per day.
  • During Ramadan: Reduced to 6 hours per day (36 hours/week) for Muslim employees (often extended to all staff in MNCs).
  • Friday Rules: Friday is the statutory rest day. Working on Friday requires 150% overtime pay or specific shift arrangements.
  • Break Norms: Prayer breaks are strictly observed in many offices, though recent reforms have relaxed the mandatory closure of shops during prayer times.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Standard Work Week: Monday to Friday (Private Sector norm).
  • Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week / 8 hours per day.
  • Flexibility: The new labor law allows for "Condensed Working Hours" (e.g., 40 hours in 4 days) if agreed by contract.
  • Friday Rules: Work stops at 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM for prayers. Remote work options on Fridays are popular in the public sector.

3. Qatar

  • Standard Work Week: Sunday to Thursday.
  • Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week / 8 hours per day.
  • Summer Work Ban: Strictly enforced prohibition on outdoor work between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM from June to September.
  • Ramadan: 6 hours per day / 36 hours per week.

4. Kuwait

  • Standard Work Week: Sunday to Thursday.
  • Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week.
  • Public Sector: Often enjoys shorter hours (e.g., 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM).
  • Shift Work: Labor intensive sectors often work 6 days a week (Saturday-Thursday).

5. Bahrain

  • Standard Work Week: Sunday to Thursday.
  • Maximum Hours: 48 hours per week.
  • Culture: Bahrain is known for a slightly more relaxed pace, but international banks and businesses run strict 8-5 schedules.

6. Oman

  • Standard Work Week: Sunday to Thursday.
  • Maximum Hours: 9 hours per day / 45 hours per week (slightly different from the standard 48).
  • Omanization impact: Many roles have strict requirements for hiring locals, which influences public sector office hours significantly.

The Significance of Friday: Prayer and Culture

Regardless of whether the work week is Mon-Fri or Sun-Thu, Friday (Jumu'ah) holds special status across the entire GCC. It is not just the "start of the weekend"; it is the holiest day of the week.

What Happens on Fridays?

  • Prayer Time (Dhuhr): Around noon (12:00-1:00 PM), mosques fill up for the congregational sermon.
  • Business Closures: Even in the UAE where Friday is a working day, most businesses pause or close between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. In Saudi Arabia or Qatar, shops often open only after 4:00 PM on Fridays.
  • Family Lunches: The Friday Lunch is an institution. Extended families gather for a large meal after prayers. It is the equivalent of a Sunday Roast in the UK, but more religiously significant.

Expat Advice: Avoid scheduling meetings or calls between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM on Fridays, anywhere in the Gulf. It is culturally insensitive and you likely won't get a response.

Ramadan: The Month That Changes Everything

For one month every year, the entire working rhythm of the GCC shifts. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it moves back by about 11 days each year.

Regulatory Rules

  • Reduced Hours: Labor laws in all GCC countries mandate reduced working hours during Ramadan (usually 2 hours less per day).
  • Application: In some countries (like UAE and Saudi Arabia), this reduction legally applies to all employees, Muslim and non-Muslim. In others, it is strictly for fasting Muslims (though most international companies extend it to everyone for morale).

The "Reversed" Day

  • Morning: Offices might start later (9:00 or 10:00 AM).
  • Afternoon: Work usually finishes by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM so people can rest before Iftar (breaking the fast).
  • Night: The cities come alive at night. Malls, restaurants, and businesses often stay open until 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM.
  • Productivity: Expect slower response times during the day. Major decisions are often postponed until after Eid.

Survival Tip: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in open offices during Ramadan daylight hours. Most companies verify designate a shielded "break room" for non-fasting staff.

Private vs. Public Sector Differences

The gap between government jobs and private sector roles is distinct.

Feature Public Sector (Govt) Private Sector
Hours Typically 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekend Strictly observed (2-3 days off) Often 1 or 2 days off (Retail/Construction often 6-day weeks)
Holidays Often granted longer breaks for Eid (e.g., 5-9 days) Standard breaks (e.g., 3-4 days)

Overtime and "On-Call" Expectations

The "Always On" Culture

In competitive hubs like Dubai and Riyadh, the "9-to-5" is often a myth for white-collar professionals. The rapid pace of development means:

  • WhatsApp Business: It is very common for managers to send work messages on WhatsApp in the evening.
  • Late Responses: Because of the summer heat, people often work later into the cool evenings. Getting an email at 8:00 PM is not unusual.
  • Global Alignment: If you work for an MNC, you might be on calls with Singapore in the morning and New York in the evening, stretching your day.

Legal Overtime Rights

Despite the culture, the law protects you:

  • Calculation: Overtime is usually Basic Wage + 25% for day OT, and Basic + 50% for night OT (9 PM – 4 AM).
  • Limits: Most laws cap overtime at 2 hours per day.
  • Managerial Exemption: Senior managers and supervisors are often exempt from overtime pay eligibility in the labor law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I live in Dubai but work with Saudi clients, which weekend do I follow?

You will likely follow your UAE company's schedule (Sat-Sun off). However, you will need to be strategic. Monday-Thursday are your key collaboration days. Friday is quiet for you (Saudi is off), and Sunday (when you are off) is a work day for them. Manage expectations with an "Out of Office" auto-reply on Sundays.

2. Do banks close on Fridays?

In most of GCC, yes. In UAE, many banks open on Friday mornings or operate branches in malls with extended hours, but main operations close for prayer time.

3. Is the 4-day work week real?

Sharjah (an emirate in the UAE) officially adopted a 3-day weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun) for its government sector. It is a unique experiment. However, it hasn't widely spread to the private sector yet.

4. How strict is punctuality?

This varies. "Inshallah time" (a relaxed approach to start times) persists in some social or bureaucratic settings, but in the professional corporate world of NEOM, DIFC, or Qatar Energy, punctuality is absolutely expected and professional standards are world-class.

Conclusion

Navigating the working hours of the GCC requires flexibility. The shift in weekends, the reverence for prayer times, and the unique rhythm of Ramadan are not inconvenient hurdles—they are the heartbeat of the region's culture.

By respecting these differences and planning around them, you show high cultural intelligence (CQ). You learn that while the office might close early in Ramadan, the relationship-building happens in the late-night Suhoor gatherings. You learn that Friday isn't just a day off; it's a day of community. Embrace the rhythm, and you will find your balance.