Egypt observes both Islamic holidays set by the lunar calendar and national dates including Revolution Day on 23 July and Armed Forces Day on 6 October, plus Coptic Christmas on 7 January.

How people take the days

The working week runs Sunday to Thursday. Holidays falling midweek are often moved to a Thursday or Sunday by cabinet decision to create a longer break.

If you're visiting

During Ramadan, daytime service slows and everything stops at iftar; evenings are lively and late. Sham el-Nessim, the Monday after Coptic Easter, sends everyone outdoors for picnics.

If you live here

Islamic dates shift about eleven days earlier each year and are confirmed only days ahead by moon sighting; treat advance dates as approximate.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.

Armed Forces Day

6 Oct 2026

Public

Observance: Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work.
Business: Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.
Transport: Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.

EGEgypt · 2026

Bridge days worth booking

How the holiday year works in Egypt

The calendar

How people take the days

If you're visiting

If you live here

What these days actually mean

Armed Forces Day

Egypt · 2026