State news agency WAM announced in a Tuesday tweet that the United Arab Emirates would shift its Saturday and Sunday weekend starting next year.

The majority of countries within the Gulf region have Saturday and Friday weekends.

This country will observe a 4-and-a-half day work week. Friday’s weekend begins on Friday and runs until Sunday.

WAM tweeted that the longer weekend was meant to boost productivity and enhance work-life balance.

Changes will become effective Jan. 1, 2022. They will also apply to federal government agencies.

This is an ongoing story. Keep checking back for more updates.