UAE retail and hospitality leaders predict boom after weekend change goes into effect

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UAE shopping malls, theme parks and hotels expect an increase in customer numbers as the country moves into the new weekend, industry executives said.

Hospitality and Retail Professionals Said The National that they expect trade to increase from Jan. 3, when more workers enjoy a two-and-a-half-day weekend.

Alhasan Kaabous Alzaabi, vice president of operations at Farah Experiences, which operates Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi, called the move a “pivot”.

As it will line up over multiple weekends from our main source markets, we also expect the new change to serve to boost tourism to the UAE.

Alhasan Kaabous Alzaabi, Farah Experiences

“As it will align over several weekends from our main source markets, we also expect the new change to serve to boost tourism to the UAE,” he said.

“We hope this will have a positive domino effect on our theme parks and attractions and encourage greater attendance in the years to come.”

The United Arab Emirates announced earlier this month that starting January 3, all federal employees will finish work on Friday at noon and will not return to work until Monday morning. Many private companies are following suit and moving weekends to Saturdays and Sundays, although only one in four will let people leave early on Friday.

Retail bosses are also forecasting an increase in mall attendance as the new weekend will make the UAE more attractive to tourists looking for a short break.

“The longer weekends and the alignment of the work week with that of the western world will have a positive impact on various industries, including retail,” said Saoud Khoory, director of retail at Aldar. Investment, owner of Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.

“We expect this will further enhance the UAE’s tourist appeal for shorter visits and increase footfall to various shops and tourist attractions across the country,” he said.

Bosses of the shopping centers will monitor the number of customers visiting over the next few weeks and hire more staff as needed, he said.

The hospitality industry is also preparing for “Saturdays to become New Fridays”.

The popularity of centuries-old traditions such as brunch could now shift from Friday to Saturday, said Christeena Thiruvinkal, director of marketing and communications at the Beach Rotana hotel in Abu Dhabi.

“We really think Saturday brunch will become a bigger thing now because people can now use Friday as a day to really relax,” she said.

“Fridays and Sundays could be relaxing days, while Saturday could be the day filled with activities.”

Stays are likely to become more popular as families will be able to enjoy a longer weekend, she said.

The Rotana hotel group did not adopt the four-and-a-half-day workweek because most employees work in shifts, but it reduced the staff’s working day from 10 to nine.

Ms Thiruvinkal said it would help staff to better balance work and private life.

“This is the hospitality industry, so we work all kinds of hours, but this less hour per day will help our colleagues to improve their physical and mental health,” she said.

The weekend change is especially welcome for staff members who have families, as it means they’ll be spending more time with their kids before bed, she said.

Update: December 31, 2021, 4:30 a.m.

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