Schools in the UAE will schedule lessons in line with major changes to the working week.
Public sector workers will adopt a four-and-a-half-day working week from January 1. Employees will complete full working days from Monday to Thursday, with a half day on Friday. Saturday and Sunday will be the new weekend for government workers.
All public and private schools will implement the same timetable, with pupils attending lessons from Monday to Thursday, with a half day on Friday, a document from the government confirmed.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai's private school regulators said all of their schools would operate under the new working week, starting from Monday, January 3.
Timings will be confirmed by the authorities.
Taaleem, one of the UAE's largest school groups, has backed the move to a more "flexible working week".
"Taaleem will await further guidance from Adek and KHDA as our private regulators before a formal announcement to our school communities but fully endorse the changes to the working week,” said Alan Williamson, chief executive officer of Taaleem.
“We see the benefits in terms of staff, pupil, and parent well-being in having a more flexible working week in relation to four and a half days.
"It will also be important for Taaleem to ensure our schools finish on a Friday to allow our valued Islamic community to be prepared for prayer by 1.15pm as per the government announcement.
"There are certainly curriculum implications across our UK, IB and American schools, which we hope KHDA and Adek will allow us flexibility to deliver on Monday through Thursday in relation to school timings."
He said school principals and senior leaders would be busy over the winter break ensuring schools opened on January 3 with the new arrangements in place.
"Our parents will expect us to move in line with the public and private sector and we will work tirelessly to ensure there is clear communication across our schools for staff, students, and parents,” he said.
Another school leader welcomed the move to a shorter week, which he said would be of value to young learners.
"We welcome the opportunity to implement a shorter working week and it would definitely have a beneficial impact on the happiness and well-being on children and educators” said Punit Vasu, chief executive officer of The Indian High Group of Schools.
"As pioneers of KHDA’s Rahhal programme, The Indian High School, Oud Metha has implemented a shorter working week for Grade 11 and 12 students since April 2018 and feedback from our stakeholders over the past four years has been extremely positive as the 'extra half day' may be used to pursue hobbies, sport, music.
"As a not-for-profit community group of schools celebrating 60 years of existence in the UAE, we feel this can create a new model in education where technology can play a vital role to possibly enable distance learning on a Friday, allowing for even greater efficiencies."
Dubai's and Abu Dhabi's governments said their employees would adopt the same hours.
The new system will mean federal workers will work from 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30am to midday on Friday. There is the possibility of flexible working, plus work-from-home options on Fridays.
Friday sermons and prayers will be held at 1.15pm throughout the year.
The new long weekend will "boost productivity and improve work-life balance", the UAE Government Media Office said in a tweet.
The country's working week last changed in 2006, when weekends moved from Thursday and Friday to the current Friday and Saturday. The move brought the Emirates in line with global markets, at a time when the economy was growing rapidly.
The private sector and public and private schools all shifted working days on the same day in September 2006.
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RESULT
RS Leipzig 3
Marcel Sabitzer 10', 21'
Emil Forsberg 87'
Tottenham 0
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Red flags
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- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
Revival
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MEFCC information
Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
GROUP RESULTS
Group A
Results
Ireland beat UAE by 226 runs
West Indies beat Netherlands by 54 runs
Group B
Results
Zimbabwe tied with Scotland
Nepal beat Hong Kong by five wickets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, kick-off 10.45pm
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Second leg:
Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm
