Filipinos in the UAE are hopeful that the private sector will follow suit as the UAE switches to a new workweek starting this new year.
Among them is Mary Ann Dela Cruz Mendoza, an Abu Dhabi-based expat from Abu Dhabi, who said: “As a teacher, I am positive that the new weekend would bring both teachers and students the best teaching and learning journey by turning a tiring five days into a relaxing 4.5 school days.”
She added that she will now have more time for her family outside her working hours.
“As an expat, it would affect me since my country is having the same weekend – Saturday and Sunday. I would enjoy my weekends with my families back home through video chats, without having to worry that I have to go to work,” said Dela Cruz.
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Brandon Mijares from Dubai said that the new weekend will be beneficial for him since it would follow the same schedules as the Philippines’ which means more bonding time with loved ones back home.
“Parang nasa Pilipinas lang tayo – more time for family,” said Mijares.
Abigail Mercado from Sharjah thanked the UAE for the shift in the weekend schedules, hoping that her employer would also follow so that she could attend the Sunday morning mass which she hasn’t done in years.
“Mararanasan na natin muli yung pakiramdam na nakapagmisa ng Linggo ng umaga, katulad nung nasa Pilipinas pa tayo kasama ang ating pamilya,” said Mercado.
Lorna Dimalanta from Dubai hopes that employees like herself who work in the household would also benefit from the new schedule.
“Sana hindi lang public sector. Sana pati kaming mga nag-w-work sa bahay makinabang,” said Dimalanta.
