Algiers: The Algerian government has issued a decree shifting the days of the weekend to Friday and Saturday in a move viewed as a boost the North African nation's faltering economy.

The new official weekend days are more in line with Western schedules and match most Muslim countries that observe Friday as Islam's day of prayer.

Algeria had observed its weekends on Thursdays and Fridays since 1976 as do a few other countries including Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The change in Algeria goes into effect in August. The head of the Algerian employers' union, Redha Hamiani, said Wednesday it could boost Algeria's gross domestic product by up to $800 million a year.