Bahrain, the tiny island home of the Middle Eastern F1 Grand Prix, last week took its effort to become more attractive as a financial hub to a new level when the island's rulers decided to move the country's weekend from the Islamic standard of Thursday and Friday, to Friday and Saturday.

From Saturday, September 1, Bahranis will be required to enjoy their weekend on days aligned "more closely with the private sector", according to a press release sent out by the economic development board. "It will give us a bigger window for dealing effectively with domestic and international affairs," said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, chief executive of the board.