Which Country Offers the Most Holidays?

Which Country Gives the Most Public Holidays and How Does Dubai Fare?

Public holidays in most countries are not just for relaxation but also symbolize cultural, religious, and national identity. While France is proposing to reduce its holidays to boost economic growth, other countries are generous with their official days off for citizens. But which country offers the most holidays, and where does the UAE stand?

Nepal Leads the World

Nepal provides its citizens with the most official holidays in the world: 35 days a year. This country not only boasts the world's highest peaks but also the highest number of public holidays. The diverse cultural and religious traditions justify this abundance.

India, Colombia, Philippines

Following Nepal are India, Colombia, and the Philippines, each with 18 official holidays annually. These countries also count numerous religious and regional holidays that are uniformly applicable across the entire country or in significant parts.

European Snapshot

Within Europe, Slovakia stands out with 15 holidays, while France officially provides 11 public holidays. Interestingly, the Netherlands and Denmark, with just 9 days, are at the end of the list among EU member states. The United Kingdom and Canada barely exceed 9 days.

What's the Situation in the United Arab Emirates?

Residents of the UAE can enjoy up to 13 official holidays per year, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. These holidays not only provide rest but often involve family outings, desert tours, vacations, and shopping.

The UAE's 2025 Holidays:

Gregorian New Year: January 1st (1 day)

Eid Al-Fitr: Shawwal 1–3 (3–4 days)

Arafa Day: Thu Al-Hijjah 9 (1 day)

Eid Al-Adha: Thu Al-Hijjah 10–12 (3 days)

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): Muharram 1 (1 day)

Prophet Mohammed's Birthday: Rabi’ Al-Awal 12 (1 day)

National Day: December 2–3 (2 days)

These holidays align with the Islamic calendar, so the exact dates change each year. The government often merges or shifts holidays to ensure long weekends, thereby encouraging domestic tourism and leisure.

France Proposes to Reduce Holidays

The topicality of the issue is underscored by the recent proposal from the French prime minister to abolish two public holidays to stimulate economic growth and reduce national debt. The plan is part of a larger austerity package exceeding 43 billion euros.

This wouldn't be the first attempt: in 2003, the Pentecost Monday holiday was attempted to be transformed into a "solidarity working day," leading to chaos in implementation. Some companies worked, others didn't; some employees got paid, others didn't. Social protests quickly overturned the measure.

Public Holidays: Balancing Economy and Quality of Life

The preservation and reevaluation of national holidays are subjects of ongoing societal debate. While some countries propose to cut them citing economic productivity, others, like the UAE, prioritize social welfare and cultural identity. Dubai, for instance, utilizes holidays to boost experiential tourism and improve residents' quality of life.

Conclusion

While the world's countries regulate official holidays in various ways, the UAE sets a balanced example by providing enough holidays for its residents without sacrificing the economy. Maintaining balance—as always—is the key.

(Source of the article based on residents' reports.)