Do you still remember when Saudi Arabia had a Thursday-Friday weekend? Probably not many do. In 2013, the Kingdom made a shift to a Friday-Saturday weekend, aligning itself with most GCC countries. Fast forward to 2022, and the UAE took a bold step, implementing a Monday-to-Friday workweek to sync up with the rest of the world.
Globally, about 90 to 100 countries follow a Monday-to-Friday workweek. This group includes KSA’s largest sources of foreign direct investment: the UAE, US, China, Europe, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Recently, there has been a growing push in Saudi Arabia to transition to a Monday-to-Friday workweek. A survey by Al-Riyadh newspaper in February 2024 revealed that 48% of respondents would prefer a Saturday-Sunday weekend, while 29% want to stick with the current Friday-Saturday schedule.
With Saudi Arabia’s ambition to boost its global presence, such synchronization could be a significant step forward, driving several key developments:
- Accelerating the RHQ program
The Regional Headquarters Program (RHQ), introduced in 2021 and revised in 2024, aims to make Saudi Arabia the top choice for multinational corporations (MNCs) as their main regional office. Having similar working days with the rest of the company group could streamline arranging meetings, implementing group-wide initiatives, and simplifying administrative and operational activities.
- Attracting talent
Aligning the workweek could also help attract more expatriates. Foreign companies often want to bring in talent from abroad, and with Saudi Arabia’s developing talent pool, the Kingdom will still need to draw in expats to meet investors’ talent requirements. A Monday-to-Friday workweek is an easier sell for expats seeking minimal disruption when relocating. This change could be particularly beneficial in the newly launched Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where Saudization requirements are more relaxed than in the broader economy.
- Further boost to tourism
Adopting a new workweek could also boost Saudi tourism – both leisure and business. Leisure travelers might not need extra leave days to enjoy weekend festivities and events. Business travelers would find it easier to attend events and conferences scheduled from Monday to Friday instead of Sunday to Thursday, simplifying administrative requirements for companies sending delegations.
- Regional Alignment
This change would also align Saudi Arabia with the UAE’s workweek, which is seen as the innovator and leader in the region. Aligning with regional competitors, even in minor ways, could influence investors’ decisions when choosing a location in the GCC.
However, while there are clear benefits, implementing such a change would require careful consideration of local customs, religious practices, and social dynamics to ensure it is well-received by the local population. Balancing these factors will be crucial for the successful adoption of a Monday-to-Friday workweek.
If all aspects are thoroughly planned and considered, there is no compelling reason for Saudi Arabia to maintain its Sunday-to-Thursday workweek. This move could pave the way for greater global integration and regional competitiveness, driving the Kingdom towards a more modern and aligned future.