In Egypt, public holiday represent a meaningful blend of religious, historical, and cultural celebrations, deeply woven into the nation’s identity. These holidays play an important role in work life balance, allowing employees to take time off to observe religious traditions, reflect on national history, and spend quality time with family.
For many Egyptians, holidays like Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, and Coptic Christmas carry deep spiritual meaning, while national celebrations such as Revolution Day and Armed Forces Day strengthen unity and patriotism. Businesses and public institutions often close or shorten working hours on these days, ensuring that citizens can participate in observances and community festivities.
2026 Public Holidays in Egypt
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Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026 – Coptic Christmas
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Sunday, Jan 25, 2026 – Revolution Day (January 25)
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Friday, Mar 20, 2026 – End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr – Day 1)*
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Saturday, Mar 21, 2026 – Eid al-Fitr (Day 2)*
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Sunday, Mar 22, 2026 – Eid al-Fitr (Day 3)*
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Saturday, Apr 25, 2026 – Sinai Liberation Day
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Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labor Day
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Sunday, May 3, 2026 – Coptic Easter Sunday
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Monday, May 4, 2026 – Sham El Nessim (Spring Festival)
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Friday, Jun 5, 2026 – Arafat Day*
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Saturday, Jun 6, 2026 – Eid al-Adha (Day 1)*
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Sunday, Jun 7, 2026 – Eid al-Adha (Day 2)*
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Monday, Jun 8, 2026 – Eid al-Adha (Day 3)*
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Thursday, Jul 23, 2026 – Revolution Day (July 23)
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Friday, Jul 24, 2026 – Muharram (Islamic New Year)*
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Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 – Mawlid An-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)*
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Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 – Armed Forces Day
Dates for Islamic holidays (Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Arafat Day, Muharram, and Mawlid An-Nabi) are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and may vary slightly depending on moon sightings.
Details of Major Public Holidays
Coptic Christmas – January 7, 2026
Observed by Egypt’s Coptic Christian community, this holy day marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time for prayer, family gatherings, and charity. Public offices and schools close nationwide, and many Egyptians, regardless of faith, join in celebrating with goodwill and festive meals.
Revolution Day (January 25) – January 25, 2026
This national holiday commemorates the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, symbolizing resilience and the pursuit of justice. It’s a day of pride and remembrance, with official ceremonies and media tributes across the country.
Eid al-Fitr – March 20–22, 2026
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is one of Egypt’s most anticipated holidays. Families gather for large feasts, exchange gifts, and give Zakat al Fitr (charitable donations). Public and private sector employees typically enjoy three days off, making it a joyful period of celebration and togetherness.
Sinai Liberation Day – April 25, 2026
Commemorating Egypt’s reclamation of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, this day honors national pride and the resilience of the Egyptian people. Many participate in patriotic events, and schools and government offices close in observance.
Labor Day – May 1, 2026
Egypt joins the international celebration of workers’ rights on May 1st. Labor unions often organize parades and events, while employees enjoy a public day off to rest or spend time with family.
Coptic Easter Sunday – May 3, 2026
Celebrated by Egypt’s Coptic Christian community, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Church services are followed by family meals featuring traditional foods, symbolizing renewal and hope.
Sham El Nessim – May 4, 2026
This ancient spring festival, rooted in Pharaonic tradition, is enjoyed by all Egyptians regardless of religion. Families picnic outdoors and eat traditional dishes like feseekh (salted fish) and green onions, celebrating nature’s renewal and Egypt’s shared heritage.
Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha – June 5–8, 2026
Arafat Day marks the holiest day of the Hajj pilgrimage, followed by Eid al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Egyptians gather for prayers and charitable giving, with families distributing meat from sacrificed animals to relatives and the needy. Employees enjoy four to five days off, depending on sector policy.
Revolution Day (July 23) – July 23, 2026
Celebrating the 1952 Revolution, which ended monarchy and led to the establishment of the Republic, this day honors Egypt’s journey toward independence. It’s a time for reflection and national pride.
Muharram – July 24, 2026
The start of the Islamic New Year is observed with quiet reflection, fasting, and family prayers. Although it’s a public holiday, many workplaces remain open, while others operate on reduced hours.
Mawlid An-Nabi – September 15, 2026
This religious holiday commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Egyptians celebrate with religious recitations, processions, and the sharing of traditional sweets like mawlid candy. It’s a joyful, spiritually uplifting day marked across the country.
Armed Forces Day – October 6, 2026
Commemorating Egypt’s victory in the 1973 October War, Armed Forces Day is one of the nation’s most patriotic holidays. Military parades, official ceremonies, and national tributes celebrate the courage of Egypt’s armed forces. Most government institutions and businesses close for the day.
Conclusion
Egypt’s public holidays in 2026 offer citizens a harmonious blend of faith, history, and national pride. Whether celebrating Islamic feasts, Coptic observances, or national milestones, these days reflect the country’s unity and diversity.
By providing time for rest, family gatherings, and reflection, Egypt’s holiday calendar plays a vital role in maintaining work life balance and fostering cultural appreciation across society.
These holidays are more than just days off they are reminders of Egypt’s resilience, spirituality, and enduring heritage.