Egypt has officially declared Thursday, August 27, 2026, a paid public holiday in celebration of Mawlid Al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued the decision on August 17, moving the holiday from the original date linked to the religious occasion to Thursday, August 27, in line with Egypt’s policy of shifting some official holidays closer to the weekend.
Who Gets the Holiday?
The decision applies to employees working in government ministries, public authorities, local administration units, public-sector companies and public business-sector companies.
The Ministry of Labour later confirmed that private-sector employees covered by Egypt’s Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 will also receive Thursday, August 27 as a fully paid holiday.
This means the holiday will be observed across both the public and private sectors, giving many employees a long weekend when combined with the usual Friday and Saturday days off.
Why Was the Holiday Moved?
Mawlid Al-Nabi falls in the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, with the holiday traditionally tied to the 12th day of the month.
The government’s decision shifts the official day off to Thursday, following the practice of moving certain public holidays toward the end of the working week to reduce disruption and create a more unified break across different sectors.
What About Private-Sector Employees Who Have to Work?
Private-sector employers may still require employees to work on the holiday if business needs make it necessary.
Under the Labour Ministry’s announcement, employees who work on August 27 are entitled to additional compensation. They may receive extra pay in addition to their normal wage, or an alternative day off if they formally request one.
Exams Will Continue as Scheduled
The Cabinet’s decision also states that any examinations already scheduled for August 27 will continue according to the timetable set by the relevant authorities.
Students and families should therefore check directly with schools, universities or examination bodies rather than assuming all academic activity will stop.
A Long Weekend for Many Egyptians
With the holiday falling on a Thursday, many workers who normally have Friday and Saturday off will receive a three-day weekend.
The timing gives families more opportunity to celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabi, travel, spend time together or take part in the traditions associated with the occasion.
Across Egypt, Mawlid celebrations are commonly associated with religious gatherings and seasonal sweets such as Halawet El Mouled, which appear in shops and bakeries in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
What to Know
The key date is now confirmed: Thursday, August 27, 2026 will be the official paid holiday for Mawlid Al-Nabi across Egypt’s government and eligible private-sector workplaces.
For many Egyptians, that means the religious celebration will also bring one of the final long weekends of the summer.
