Weekend & Public Holiday Finder

Why Weekend Days Vary Around the World

Not all countries observe Saturday-Sunday weekends! Understanding local weekend days and public holidays is crucial for planning business trips, scheduling meetings, and optimizing tourist visits. This guide covers unique calendar systems worldwide.

Different Weekend Patterns

Saturday-Sunday Weekend (Most Common)

Countries: USA, UK, India, Thailand, most of Europe and Asia. The traditional weekend inherited from Western business practices. Work week runs Monday to Friday.

Friday-Saturday Weekend (Middle East)

Countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, most Gulf states. Aligned with Islamic tradition where Friday is the holy day for Jumu'ah prayers. Work week runs Sunday to Thursday.

Friday Afternoon-Saturday (Israel)

Unique to Israel. Friday afternoon through Saturday observes the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat). Many businesses close Friday afternoon and remain closed until Saturday evening.

Common Questions

When is the weekend in UAE?

The UAE weekend is Friday and Saturday. This changed in December 2021 from the traditional Friday-Saturday to a Friday-Saturday and half-day Friday in some sectors. Sunday begins the work week. Government offices and most businesses follow this schedule.

Why does Saudi Arabia have Friday-Saturday weekend?

Saudi Arabia observes Friday as the Islamic holy day for Jumu'ah (Friday prayers). The weekend aligns with religious practices, with Friday being fully off and Saturday being the second weekend day. This maximizes overlap with international business weeks.

How to plan trips around public holidays?

Public holidays affect travel in several ways:

• Peak Travel Times: Locals travel during holidays, causing higher prices and crowds
• Business Closures: Banks, government offices, some shops may be closed
• Transportation: Trains and flights may be fully booked
• Festivals: Major holidays often feature celebrations worth experiencing

2026 Holiday Planning Tips

• Book accommodations early around major holidays
• Consider shoulder seasons for better deals and fewer crowds
• Research local customs during religious holidays
• Check if tourist attractions remain open on public holidays
• Use long weekends to maximize short trips

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Now that you know when to travel, explore our holiday packages optimized for the best travel times, or contact us for customized itineraries.