The Egyptian government has issued a decision to consider Thursday, October 8, 2026, as a public holiday with pay, instead of Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in commemoration of the Armed Forces Day and the glorious October victories. This decision was made by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli. The holiday applies to employees in ministries, government agencies, public and private sector companies, and local administration units.
The decision to postpone the holiday was made to coincide with the celebrations of the Armed Forces Day and the October victories. October 6 marks the anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, in which Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal and began military operations to regain Egyptian territory in the Sinai Peninsula. This event is considered a significant milestone in the history of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
As a result of the government's decision, employees and students will have a one-day holiday on Thursday, October 8, 2026, instead of Tuesday, October 6. This change in the holiday schedule does not affect the total number of holidays in 2026. According to the official calendar, there are several public holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Police Day, and Eid al-Fitr.
The October 6 holiday is considered one of the most important national occasions in Egypt, as it commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of the Egyptian Armed Forces during the 1973 war. The holiday is usually celebrated with military parades and other events across the country. The government's decision to postpone the holiday to Thursday, October 8, is expected to have a minimal impact on the daily activities of citizens.
The public holidays in Egypt for 2026 include Christmas on January 7, Police Day on January 28, Eid al-Fitr from March 19 to 23, Sham el-Nessim on April 13, Sinai Liberation Day on April 25, Labor Day on May 7, Eid al-Adha from May 27 to 31, and the Hijri New Year on June 18. These holidays are observed by government agencies, public and private sector companies, and schools.
The decision to postpone the October 6 holiday to October 8 is part of the government's efforts to manage the country's celebrations and holidays. The government has also announced that the next public holiday in 2027 will be on January 7, 2027, in celebration of Christmas. This decision aims to provide citizens with more opportunities to rest and celebrate national and religious occasions.
In conclusion, the Egyptian government's decision to postpone the October 6 holiday to Thursday, October 8, 2026, is a one-time change to the holiday schedule. The change does not affect the significance of the holiday or the celebrations that take place across the country. Citizens are expected to enjoy their one-day holiday on October 8, while government agencies and companies will be closed for the day.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has postponed the October 6 holiday to Thursday, October 8, 2026, in celebration of the Armed Forces Day and October victories.
- The holiday applies to employees in ministries, government agencies, public and private sector companies, and local administration units.
- The next public holiday in 2027 will be on January 7, 2027, in celebration of Christmas.
