Saudi Arabia may change weekend to Friday and Saturday

SAUDI Arabia’s Shura Council, which advises the government on new laws, has recommended changing the country’s official weekend to Friday and Saturday to boost the economy.

Some local business leaders and economists say the existing Thursday-Friday weekend is bad for the economy because it limits the amount of time Saudi companies can work with partners overseas during the week.

However, some members of the powerful conservative clergy have previously opposed the move, citing concerns that it is intended to bring the kingdom closer to the Jewish and Christian traditions.

Oman said this month it would shift to a Friday-Saturday weekend in May. That will leave the biggest Arab economy as the only Gulf Arab state to maintain a Thursday-Friday weekend.

Newspaper websites yesterday reported that the Shura Council – a body appointed by the king that has advisory powers, but no veto on new laws – had decided to recommend to the government it should change the weekend days. ­Medina reported that 83 Shura Council members voted to recommend with 43 against.

Most laws passed get an initial go-ahead from the council, but a recommendation does not mean it will be become law.