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For most people worldwide, weekends mean Saturdays and Sundays off. But that is not true everywhere. Some countries have Friday and Saturday as weekly holidays, while others follow different schedules, including split weekends and three-day breaks. (Image: Pexels)
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News18•13-10-2026, 19:00
Why Saturdays and Sundays Aren't Always the Weekend Around the World
  • •While Saturdays and Sundays are the standard weekend in many parts of the world, several countries follow different weekly schedules.
  • •Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Qatar observe Friday and Saturday as their official weekend to align with regional practices or international markets.
  • •Brunei features a unique split weekend where government employees take Friday and Sunday off, working the rest of the week including Saturday.
  • •The United Arab Emirates generally follows a Saturday-Sunday weekend, but Sharjah offers a three-day break from Friday to Sunday for government workers.
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Key Questions Answered

Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Qatar all observe Friday and Saturday as their official weekly holidays.

Brunei government employees have a split weekend, with Friday and Sunday as their weekly days off while working Monday through Thursday and on Saturday.

Government employees in Sharjah get a three-day break consisting of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off after working from Monday to Thursday.

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