Five day week on the anvil for all private establishments in Saudi Arabia, say sources close to the Labour Ministry. The Ministry is in discussion with all involved and the decision seems to be welcomed by all. May be shortly from 2013 the five-day working might be implemented. It is already known that in the public sector the five day system is adhered, on Thursday and Friday. However sources say that the private sector could take its decision of the two days as per their choice. "They can give their workers two consecutive days off as is the case in the public sector or they can allow them to take off on two separate days, according to their conditions," the source said, quoted by the daily.

This is a unique initiative proposed by the Ministry to promote Saudis to seek employment in the private sector and to keep the private on par with the public sector, believe sources. Most nationals view government jobs as their dream because of the working hours – this includes the two-day weekend and the long holidays during the two Eids. To make the private jobs attractive the initiative is being adapted. This proposal from the authorities attracted maximum discussions across the blogosphere, while most appreciated the idea. And now the move by the private sector has to be gauged as to whether the sector would adhere to the eight hour working schedule or make it a nine hour schedule to compensate. One thing is for sure that working in Saudi will be more attractive for those of you planning to go there shortly.  (With Inputs from Internet- Aarkay)