At the start of December 2021, the UAE government made an announcement about changing the weekends to Saturday and Sunday, while working hours on Friday will be reduced. The new four-and-a-half day working week enforcement started on January 1, 2022 and it means that Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday will form the new weekend.

The Food & Beverage and hospitality industry leaders see the new UAE weekend as an increased opportunity. Most leaders thought that the additional leisure time will definitely give a boost to the lifestyle, recreation and entertainment industries.

Haider Madani, restaurant owner and founder of Cassette and the newly opened Japanese spot, said: “I think the UAE weekend being Saturday Sunday now will be more aligned with the majority of people allowing everyone to freely make more arrangements together and allowing plans to the pleasure of life such as to indulge in the world of food and leisure. Additionally, the extra half-day on Fridays gives the industry a boost of revenue. All in all a good move by the government of the UAE, showing the rest of the world how they are always thinking outside the box and bettering the world we live in.”