A Journey Through Public Holidays in Egypt in 2026
- Almosafer
- Dec 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Egypt, a land steeped in ancient history, captivating culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is also home to a rich tapestry of public holidays. These occasions reflect the nation’s long-standing traditions, religious beliefs, and national pride, offering a glimpse into the heart of modern Egyptian society.
From the joyous celebrations of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha to significant national milestones, these holidays serve as a unifying force for Egyptians worldwide. This guide provides the fully updated calendar for all Egyptian national holidays in 2026.
Egypt’s Public Holidays Calendar 2026
Please note: While these are the official dates, the Egyptian government often moves mid-week holidays to the following Thursday to create long weekends.
Date (2026) | Day | Occasion |
7 January | Wednesday | Coptic Christmas Day |
25 January | Sunday | Revolution Day / Police Day |
20 March | Friday | Eid Al Fitr (Estimated start) |
13 April | Monday | Sham El Nessim (Spring Festival) |
25 April | Saturday | Sinai Liberation Day |
1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
26 May | Tuesday | Arafat Day (Estimated) |
27 May | Wednesday | Eid Al Adha (Estimated start) |
16 June | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (1448 AH) |
30 June | Tuesday | 30 June Revolution Day |
23 July | Thursday | Revolution Day (1952) |
25 August | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) |
6 October | Tuesday | Armed Forces Day (October Victory) |
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Coptic Christmas Day
Celebrated on 7th January every year by the Coptic Orthodox Church, this is a major public holiday for all Egyptians. Churches are filled with prayers, and families gather to celebrate with traditional festive meals.
January 25th Revolution and National Police Day
National Police Day: On January 25, 1952, British troops clashed with Egyptian police officers at the Ismailia Police Station, resulting in the deaths of 50 Egyptian policemen. This event, known as the Battle of Ismailia, ignited anti-British sentiment and paved the way for the overthrow of the monarchy later that year. In 2009, then-President Hosni Mubarak declared January 25th as an official public holiday to recognise the efforts of Egyptian police in maintaining security and stability in Egypt
January 25th Revolution: On January 25, 2011, a nationwide uprising against the authoritarian regime of then-President Hosni Mubarak erupted in Egypt. The revolution was fueled by widespread discontent over economic hardship, political repression, and a lack of basic freedoms. After 18 days of protests and demonstrations, then-President Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign, marking a turning point in Egypt's political history.
Sham El-Nessim
Falling on Monday, 13th April 2026, Sham El Nessim is an authentically Egyptian holiday with Pharaonic roots. Egyptians head to parks and gardens to enjoy traditional dishes like Fesikh (fermented fish), Ringa (smoked herring), and colourful painted eggs.
Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha 2026
Eid Al Fitr: Expected to begin on Friday, 20th March. As it coincides with the weekend, the government usually announces specific days for the public and private sectors to ensure everyone enjoys the festivities.
Eid Al Adha: Expected to start on Wednesday, 27th May. This is typically the longest break of the year, often extending to a 5-day holiday.
Sinai Liberation Day
The second half of the year features strong patriotic themes. Notably, 23rd July Revolution Day falls on a Thursday in 2026, automatically creating a perfect 3-day long weekend. The year concludes its major holidays with Armed Forces Day on 6th October, marking the 1973 victory.
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Labor Day
Labour Day in Egypt is a public holiday celebrated annually on May 1st. It is a national holiday made to commemorate the contributions and achievements of workers across various industries and sectors.
Eid Al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice," is one of the two most important religious national holidays in Egypt, along with Eid al-Fitr. Muslims perform Eid prayer, a special communal prayer that takes place in the morning.
June 30 Revolution
On June 30, 2013, millions of Egyptians took to the streets across the country, demanding then-President Mohamed Morsi's immediate resignation. The protests were largely peaceful, but there were some clashes with security forces. The military, which had remained on the sidelines during the earlier waves of protests, intervened on July 3, 2013, and removed then-President Mohamed Morsi from power. The June 30 Revolution marked a significant turning point in Egyptian politics.
Islamic New Year (Muharram)
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, is the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is a public holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world, including in Egypt.
The July 23 Revolution Day
The July 23 Revolution Day, also known as the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, was a military coup that overthrew the monarchy and established a republic in Egypt. It is celebrated as a national holiday in Egypt.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)
The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is a significant public holiday in Egypt. It marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a public holiday in Egypt celebrated on October 6th each year. It commemorates the day in 1973 when combined Egyptian and Syrian military forces launched a surprise attack on Israel and crossed into the Sinai Peninsula, marking the beginning of the October War.
FAQs: Egypt Public Holidays 2026
1. How many public holidays are there in Egypt in 2026?
Egypt will observe approximately 16 public holidays in 2026, including both national and religious events. Dates for Islamic holidays may vary slightly based on the moon sighting.
2. Does the Egyptian government move holidays to Thursdays?
Yes, it is common practice for the Egyptian Cabinet to reschedule holidays that fall mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) to the following Thursday to allow citizens to enjoy an uninterrupted long weekend.
3. What is the longest holiday in Egypt in 2026?
Eid Al Adha (May 2026) is expected to be the longest holiday, followed by Eid Al Fitr and the July 23rd long weekend.
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