Saudi Arabia's Shura Council has rejected a move to change its earlier decision backing a two-day weekend for the private sector in the kingdom, said a report.

The move to amend the earlier decision was brought forward by 16 members of the council, said the Arab News.

The council will stick to its earlier decision that prescribed 40 hours work a week for the private sector employees, said the council's assistant president Fahaad Al-Hamad.

The majority of the council members felt that a 40-hour workweek is a global trend that is followed by most member states of the International Labor Organization.

Members also argued that an increase in working hours would not attract Saudi youths to the private sector.

Members who opposed the two-day weekend said that such a situation would lead to economic losses in the private sector.