Planning your year effectively requires knowing the official public holidays in Egypt for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, arranging travel, or simply organizing your personal calendar, understanding when nationwide holidays occur is essential. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays recognized across Egypt in 2026, excluding regional or local observances. Consequently, you can rely on this information for accurate planning throughout the year.
Official Public Holidays in Egypt 2026
The following table presents all confirmed nationwide public holidays for Egypt in 2026. These dates are recognized by the Egyptian government and observed across all regions, however, Islamic holidays are marked as tentative since they depend on lunar calendar observations.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Wednesday | Coptic Christmas Day |
| January 25 | Sunday | Revolution Day (January 25) |
| January 29 | Thursday | Day Off for Revolution Day |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid el Fitr (Tentative) |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid el Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 23 | Monday | Eid el Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| April 13 | Monday | Spring Festival (Sham El-Nessim) |
| April 25 | Saturday | Sinai Liberation Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day (Tentative) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Muharram (Islamic New Year) (Tentative) |
| June 30 | Tuesday | June 30 Revolution |
| July 2 | Thursday | Day Off for June 30 Revolution |
| July 23 | Thursday | Revolution Day (July 23) |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday (Tentative) |
| October 6 | Tuesday | Armed Forces Day |
| October 8 | Thursday | Day Off for Armed Forces Day |
Understanding Egypt’s Public Holidays
Egypt recognizes approximately 20 official national public holidays annually, combining religious observances with commemorations of significant historical events. The country’s holiday calendar reflects its rich cultural heritage, meanwhile honoring both Islamic traditions and Coptic Christian celebrations. Additionally, several holidays commemorate pivotal moments in Egypt’s modern history, particularly those related to the nation’s struggles for freedom and sovereignty.
Religious Holidays
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar and therefore shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Dates marked as “tentative” are subject to official moon sighting confirmations. Eid el Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan with three days of festivities, while Eid al-Adha honors the Hajj pilgrimage with four days of observance. On the other hand, Coptic Christmas on January 7 remains fixed, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Coptic Orthodox Church calendar.
National Commemorative Holidays
Several holidays honor Egypt’s modern history and national identity. Revolution Day on January 25 commemorates the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, whereas July 23 marks the 1952 Revolution. Armed Forces Day on October 6 celebrates the 1973 October War, and Sinai Liberation Day on April 25 honors the return of the Sinai Peninsula in 1982. These holidays strengthen national unity and pride across the country.
Key Holiday Planning Tips for 2026
Strategic planning around public holidays can significantly enhance your productivity and travel experiences. Here are essential considerations for 2026:
Extended Weekends and Bridge Days
Several holidays in 2026 create opportunities for extended breaks. For instance, when Revolution Day falls on Sunday, January 25, the government designates Thursday, January 29 as a compensatory day off. Similarly, June 30 Revolution falling on Tuesday results in Thursday, July 2 being observed. Furthermore, Armed Forces Day on Tuesday, October 6 includes Thursday, October 8 as a day off. These extended weekends provide excellent opportunities for domestic travel or personal projects.
Islamic Holiday Considerations
Since Islamic holidays depend on lunar observations, the exact dates may shift by one or two days. Consequently, travelers and businesses should confirm dates closer to the actual holidays. Eid el Fitr in late March offers a three-day celebration period, while Eid al-Adha in late May provides four consecutive days off. These extended periods typically see increased travel activity and family gatherings across Egypt.
Business and Travel Planning
Government offices, banks, and many businesses close during official holidays, therefore advance planning is crucial. International visitors should note that tourist sites may have modified hours or increased crowds during holiday periods. Moreover, booking accommodations and transportation well in advance is advisable, particularly for the Eid holidays when domestic travel peaks significantly.
For precise timing of events and meetings across different time zones, check current local times around the world to coordinate with international partners. Meanwhile, using reliable timer tools can help you manage your schedule efficiently during busy holiday periods.
Cultural Significance and Traditions
Each holiday carries unique cultural significance and traditional observances. Sham El-Nessim on April 13 represents Egypt’s ancient spring festival, celebrated by all Egyptians regardless of religion. Families typically enjoy outdoor picnics and traditional foods like feseekh (salted fish). Labor Day on May 1 joins the international celebration of workers’ rights with various events and gatherings organized by labor unions.
Religious holidays involve specific rituals and community activities. During Eid celebrations, Muslims perform special prayers, exchange gifts, and distribute charitable donations to those in need. Coptic Christmas features midnight masses and family gatherings, reflecting the strong Christian heritage in Egypt. These traditions strengthen social bonds and preserve cultural identity across generations.
Practical Resources for Holiday Planning
Staying informed about holidays and time management is essential for effective planning. Visit our comprehensive guides section for additional resources on scheduling, time zone conversions, and productivity tips. These tools help ensure you make the most of your time throughout 2026, whether planning business activities or personal travel.
Remember to verify holiday dates with official government sources as they approach, especially for Islamic holidays that depend on moon sightings. Egyptian ministries typically announce final confirmations a few days before each lunar-based holiday, allowing citizens and businesses to finalize their arrangements accordingly.
Conclusion
Understanding Egypt’s public holidays for 2026 enables better planning for both personal and professional activities. This comprehensive calendar of 20 official nationwide holidays provides the foundation for organizing your year effectively. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, planning family vacations, or scheduling important events, this guide serves as your authoritative reference. For the latest updates on time-related tools and additional planning resources, visit our homepage regularly. Mark these dates in your calendar now to ensure smooth planning throughout the year ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Egypt in 2026?
Egypt recognizes 20 official nationwide public holidays in 2026, including religious observances like Eid el Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Coptic Christmas, and national commemorations such as Revolution Day (January 25 and July 23), Armed Forces Day, Sinai Liberation Day, June 30 Revolution, Labor Day, Spring Festival, Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday, and Muharram. These holidays are observed across all regions of Egypt, with government offices, banks, and many businesses closing for the day.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekends through compensatory days off. Revolution Day on January 25 (Sunday) includes a day off on January 29 (Thursday). June 30 Revolution on Tuesday, June 30 has Thursday, July 2 as a compensatory day off. Armed Forces Day on Tuesday, October 6 includes Thursday, October 8 as an additional day off. Additionally, the Islamic holidays of Eid el Fitr (March 21-23) and Eid al-Adha (May 26-29) provide multi-day celebration periods.
Are any holidays subject to change in Egypt?
Yes, Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” in the calendar are subject to change based on official moon sighting confirmations. These include Eid el Fitr (March 21-23), Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha (May 26-29), Muharram (June 17), and Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday (August 26). The exact dates may shift by one or two days depending on when the new moon is officially observed. Egyptian authorities typically announce final confirmations a few days before each lunar-based holiday. Fixed holidays based on the Gregorian calendar, such as Coptic Christmas, Revolution Days, and Labor Day, do not change.
How many paid public holidays do Egyptian employees receive?
According to the Egyptian Labour Code, employees are entitled to at least 13 paid public holidays per year. However, the government recognizes approximately 20 official national holidays annually. The specific number of paid days off may vary depending on employment contracts and sector-specific regulations. Government employees typically receive all official national holidays as paid leave, while private sector arrangements may differ based on individual employment agreements.
Do banks and government offices close during all public holidays?
Yes, banks and government offices throughout Egypt close during all official nationwide public holidays. This includes ministries, administrative offices, public sector institutions, and banking facilities. Private businesses may choose to remain open or operate with reduced hours, depending on their policies. During major religious holidays like Eid el Fitr and Eid al-Adha, most commercial activities slow down significantly, and many private establishments also close to allow employees to celebrate with their families.