DUBAI, (Reuters) – The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday that it will transition to a 4 1/2-day work week beginning next year. Saturday and Sunday would be the weekends. This move is aimed at aligning its economy better with international markets.

The Friday-Saturday Weekend is the current weekend in Gulf State, an oil producer state and regional hub for trade, tourism, and commercial. Beginning January 1, 2022 the weekend will be Friday afternoon.

In an era of increasing economic competition with Saudi Arabia, the UAE took measures in the last year to increase its appeal to talent and foreign investment.

The government stated that the new policy would allow for smooth transactions in financial, trade, and economic matters with other countries on Saturdays and Sundays. This will facilitate strong international business relationships and provide opportunities to thousands of multinational and UAE-based companies.

Many predominantly Muslim countries consider Friday a weekday holiday. According to the statement, Friday work hours will end at noon under new government regulations. This is before Friday prayers and sermons.

According to the statement, this extended weekend is part of UAE’s efforts to improve work-life balance.

UAE also has liberalized laws on cohabitation, marriage before marriage, and alcohol laws. They have introduced longer-term visas to help attract talent and increase the number of businesses that set up shop.