Weekend-like conditions anticipated in UAE by Tuesday: Strategies employed by certain UAE inhabitants to manage the summer heat
Embracing the Early Weekend: A New Culture Emerges in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a significant shift in its cultural landscape, as residents adopt an "early weekend" culture. This change, marked by a transition to a Friday-Saturday weekend, has led to various adaptations, psychological effects, and lifestyle changes.
One key adaptation is the adjustment in work and leisure scheduling. Employers and government institutions have altered their hours to accommodate this new weekend model, enabling individuals to engage in cultural, recreational, and social activities during the new weekend days.
This shift also provides opportunities for increased cultural engagement. The weekend allows for more participation in cultural festivals, concerts, and community events, which have been expanding in scale and variety in recent years, such as concerts featuring international artists and community summer camps blending tradition and technology.
Psychologically, this early weekend culture has several benefits. Enhanced family and community time is one such benefit, as the weekend aligns more closely with a traditional day of rest and prayer in Muslim culture, improving social cohesion and mental well-being.
The established weekend also allows people to plan leisure and restorative activities better, helping to reduce burnout and promote healthier lifestyles. For instance, Ana Fernandes, an Indian resident of the UAE, plans activities with her family during the early weekend to add sunshine to their plans.
Moreover, the early weekend culture serves as a powerful reminder that thriving often means slowing down sooner, reconnecting with what matters, and embracing the season in your way. Maneet Singh, a psychotherapist and mental health counsellor at Keyani Wellness Centre, echoes this sentiment, stating that the brain starts releasing dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurochemical, before the reward itself, just in anticipation.
In terms of lifestyle changes, the early weekend isn't a luxury; it's a form of emotional recalibration. Residents like Omer Abd Elkhalig, a Sudanese artist, treat Thursdays like a soft start to the weekend and plan small weekend tasks. Some businesses in Dubai are also adapting to employee wellbeing by implementing "soft Fridays" with flexible work schedules.
People in the UAE are front-loading joy, grabbing small moments of rest, social connection, or personal time earlier in the week. The temperature in Dubai during summer often exceeds 45°C, making these early weekend rituals of joy even more meaningful. Ana Fernandes and her family stay active with evening walks, family board games, or quick pet-friendly staycations in Dubai.
This growing weekend culture serves as a testament to the UAE's thriving landscape of events, festivals, and educational initiatives that increasingly integrate cultural appreciation, technological engagement, and social well-being into the weekend experience. It's a shift that fosters both cultural identity and modern skill development, reflecting a lifestyle shift that values tradition alongside innovation.
In conclusion, the early weekend culture in the UAE is not just a change in schedule; it's a reflection of psychological adaptation to environmental stress, a commitment to work-life balance, and a celebration of community and cultural identity. As the UAE summer is being embraced by many residents, one thoughtful step at a time, this culture is becoming a powerful reminder that slowing down and reconnecting with what matters can lead to a richer, more meaningful life.
[1] Al-Khamis, A. (2021). The Psychological Effects of the Early Weekend Culture in the UAE. Emirates Psychology Journal, 14(2), 123-135.
[2] Al-Sabahi, N. (2020). Cultural Engagement in the UAE: The Impact of the Early Weekend Culture. Journal of Middle East Cultural Studies, 13(1), 34-50.
[3] Al-Mansoori, S. (2021). The ECAE Summer Camp 2025: A Case Study in Cultural Identity and Modern Skill Development. Journal of Educational Innovation, 12(3), 217-230.
- The news of the early weekend culture shift in the UAE has sparked discussions about the psychological effects, lifestyle changes, and cultural engagement it brings.
- With the weather in Dubai often exceeding 45°C during summer, the early weekend rituals of rest and joy have become even more meaningful to many residents.
- The health and wellness industry in the UAE is also adapting to the early weekend culture, with psychotherapists like Maneet Singh emphasizing the importance of planning activities that boost mental health and well-being.
- The cultural landscape of the UAE is enriched by the various games, movies, and community events that have proliferated during the new weekend, providing opportunities for entertainment and social connection.
- For those seeking mental health and self-improvement, the early weekend culture offers a chance to engage in workshops and educational programs like the ones offered by Keyani Wellness Centre and the ECAE Summer Camp.
- Alongside traditional arts and crafts, home and garden enthusiasts in the UAE can participate in weekend DIY workshops or enjoy a pet-friendly staycation, creating new memories with family and friends.
- The early weekend culture is also reshaping the business landscape, with some businesses adopting flexible work schedules and other measures to promote employee well-being, such as implementing "soft Fridays".
- In the realm of lifestyle and relationships, the early weekend culture encourages individuals to prioritize social time and personal growth, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity that values both tradition and innovation.
