Practical Info BUSINESS HOURS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Banks and government offices are usually open from 9 am to 2 pm except for fridays, saturdays and public holidays. Shops usually open from about 10am till 10pm. Most people enjoy the sun and water during the day and go shopping after sunset. Main (fixed) public holidays – January 7 (Coptic Christmas Day); April 25 (Sinai Liberation Day); May 1 (Labour Day); July 23 (Revolution Day, marking the start of the Arab Republic of Egypt); October 6 (Armed Forces Day). There are also some variable dates which change each year because of the Muslim calendar and the phases of the moon. Check current information for dates of Ramadan (when Muslims fast during daylight hours) and Eid – the big family party and feast when Ramadan ends