Saudi Weekend Move To Happen Soon – Chambers Head

Saudi Arabia is moving closer to adopting a Friday-Saturday weekend according to the head of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC).

Speaking to Arab News, Abdullah Al-Mubti, president of the CSC, has said he expects the switch to happen soon as the Kingdom looks to copy its fellow GCC countries.

The move is expected to provide a boost for the economy as the current Thursday-Friday weekend sees the Kingdom share only three working days with overseas companies.

“We are waiting for an official decision on the matter soon because we believe it is in the final stages [of approval],” Al-Mubti said.

“The change will facilitate contacts with international markets, especially financial markets,” he added.

In the past, local business leaders have labelled the Thursday-Friday weekend as bad for the economy as it limits the time Saudi companies can work with global partners.

However the potential move has also been opposed by conservative clergy members who believe it will bring the birthplace of Islam closer to Jewish and Christian traditions.

The only other GCC country to operate a Thursday-Friday weekend is Oman, although the Sultanate said it would shift to a Friday-Saturday weekend during 2013.