Egypt Public Holidays & Observances 2026

Arranging your work schedule? Heading to Egypt soon?  Or when do things shut down and celebrations kick off? Understanding Egypt’s 2026 public holidays makes planning much smoother. The country observes a blend of fixed national dates and religious events that follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so Ramadan and Eid dates shift each year and are only finalized after the moon is sighted.

Below is a straightforward overview of the most important public holidays and major observances in Egypt for 2026. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Egypt 2026 Holidays

• When does Ramadan start in Egypt in 2026? Expected around February 19, 2026 (tentative; could begin the evening of February 18). This is the month of fasting (Ramadan Kareem / Holy Month).
  
  
• When is Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Egypt? Likely March 20–22, 2026 (usually 3 days; also known as Eid ul-Fitr).
  
  
• When is Eid al-Adha 2026 in Egypt? Expected around May 27–29, 2026 (often 3–4 days, including Arafat Day on May 26, 2026.
  
  
• When is the Islamic New Year / Hijri New Year 2026? Around June 17, 2026 (tentative; also Ras Assanah Al-Hijri, Muharram New Year).
  
  
• When is Revolution Day (January 25)? Always January 25 (Police Day / January 25 Revolution / Thawrat 25 Yanayir).
  
  
• When is Coptic Christmas in Egypt? Fixed on January 7 (Eastern Christmas / Coptic Christmas Day).
  
  
• When is Labour Day? May 1 (Workers’ Day / Eid el-Ommal).
  
  
• When is Sinai Liberation Day? April 25 (Liberation of Sinai / Eid Tahrir Sinai).
  
  

Important note: Islamic holiday dates can move forward or back by 1–2 days once the moon is officially sighted in Egypt or by regional religious authorities.

2026 Egypt Public Holidays 

Additional notes: Exact dates for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Islamic New Year depend on moon sightings and are confirmed closer to the time. Egypt frequently grants extra days off during the Eids. Coptic Easter and the Prophet’s Birthday sometimes appear in calendars but are not always nationwide public holidays.

Why These Holidays Matter in Egypt

Egypt’s calendar reflects its Muslim majority and Coptic Christian minority. The two Eids are the highlight of the year; streets fill with new clothes, sweets, family visits, mosque prayers, and (for Eid al-Adha) charitable giving and sacrifice.

Ramadan transforms daily rhythm: shorter work hours, late-night iftar meals, decorated streets, and a festive atmosphere after sunset.

National days spark pride with flags, concerts, and fireworks in cities like Cairo and Alexandria. 

Travel tip: If you’re visiting the Pyramids, Nile cruises, or Red Sea resorts, book well in advance around Eid periods, hotels and domestic flights fill up fast. Major tourist attractions usually remain open, though hours may change on public holidays.

For the most accurate updates, check announcements from the Egyptian government, Arab Public of Egypt, or trusted local calendars as 2026 approaches.