Dubai billionaire calls for banks to remain open during long holidays

Dubai billionaire

Khalaf Al Habtoor, a prominent Dubai billionaire and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, has called for banks to remain open during long holidays, citing the adverse impact of their closure on customers and the commercial sector.

In a recent statement, Al Habtoor emphasized the necessity for banking services to be available even during extended holiday periods, arguing that the closure of banks during such times results in direct harm to individuals and businesses alike.

During the recent Eid Al Fitr break, which saw some public sector and private companies enjoying up to 9-day holidays, Al Habtoor took to social media to express his concerns about the closure of banks. While acknowledging the right of employees to official holidays, he stressed that certain vital sectors, such as banking, should continue to operate without interruption.

Al Habtoor highlighted examples of essential services that operate round the clock, including airports, hospitals, and hotels, and suggested that banks adopt similar strategies to ensure continuous service provision during holidays. He underscored the critical role of the banking sector in facilitating commercial, tourism, and financial activities in Dubai, emphasizing that its closure during official holidays could lead to difficulties in completing financial transactions, cashing urgent cheques, or conducting other essential commercial activities.

While acknowledging the availability of online platforms and ATMs for basic transactions, Al Habtoor noted that these alternatives are often limited and may not fully meet the needs of businesses. He emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted banking services to support the thriving movement and economic activities in Dubai.

Al Habtoor's remarks underscore the broader discussion around balancing the rights of employees to holidays with the need for essential services to remain operational. As a key figure in Dubai's business landscape, his advocacy for keeping banks open during long holidays reflects the concerns of many individuals and businesses reliant on seamless banking services for their operations.

As the debate continues, stakeholders in the banking sector may consider exploring alternative staffing arrangements or technological solutions to ensure continuous service provision during extended holiday periods, thereby mitigating the potential adverse impacts on customers and the commercial sector.