New Delhi: In a bid to encourage youth to avail the commercial opportunities, UAE government decided to allow its employees to take a year’s leave to start their own business ventures, according to reports. The employees will be entitled to half the salary and they will be able to retain their jobs.


According to reports, the decision came after a cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday.


Taking to his Twitter account, Sheikh Mohammed wrote, “Today, within the Council, we decided a full-time leave for citizens working in the government who wish to run their own business. The leave is for a full year with half the salary while retaining the job. Our goal is to encourage our youth to take advantage of the huge commercial opportunities offered by our national economy.”






Meanwhile, the UAE Vice-President said that the Cabinet also reviewed the country’s economic conditions as compared to its pre-Covid levels.


He said that the UAE has seen a 47 per cent growth in non-oil exports, 16 per cent rise in foreign investments, and a 126 per cent increase in the number of new companies.


Notably, UAE has been offering a four-and-a-half workweek from this year, as per reports. The government staffers have been getting Saturday and Sunday, and Friday half-day from January this year.


Some private companies have also shifted to this leave pattern.