Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Egypt

Meaning and place in the calendar

Eid al-Adha recalls the account of Abraham’s willingness to obey God and the sacrifice provided in place of his son. In Egypt, the holiday is also commonly called Eid al-Kebir, or the Great Eid.[3]

The day begins the Eid observance after the Day of Arafah. Egypt’s religious authorities place the festival on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah; the Islamic lunar calendar means it moves through the Gregorian calendar over time.[1][4]

Public holiday and paid leave

Egyptian law recognizes Eid al-Adha as paid leave for workers covered by the Labour Law. A 2025 Ministry of Labour decree lists the Day of Arafah and the first two days of Eid as paid leave. Separate annual government announcements set the dates for ministries, public bodies and state-owned companies, and may specify a longer closure period.[1][2]

The actual Gregorian dates and any additional days off should therefore be checked against the official schedule for the relevant year. The Presidency’s official calendar is one source for government holiday dates.[2]

Prayer, sharing and family meals

Eid prayers are held in congregation in the morning. Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta describes the prayer as two units and explains that a sermon follows it; local prayer arrangements and times are announced for each occasion.[4]

The sacrifice, or udhiyah, is a central observance for Muslims who undertake it. Egyptian religious guidance describes sharing its meat with others, including people in need, alongside eating and keeping some for one’s household.[5]

A State Cultural Palaces account records Egyptian Eid customs such as visiting relatives and neighbors, giving children sweets or Eid money, and serving foods including fatta and ruqaq with meat broth. Customs can differ among families and communities, so these are examples rather than a requirement for everyone.[3]

What residents and visitors can expect

Government offices and other covered public-sector workplaces observe the announced holiday. The official leave rules also cover eligible private-sector workers, though employers may need staff to work where circumstances require it under the applicable rules.[1][2]

Banks, shops, museums, archaeological sites and public transport may follow different schedules during Eid. Check with the business or service before visiting or travelling.[2]