Culture & Traditions

One of the great civilizations of the world, Egypt is justifiably proud of a past that dates back to antiquity, much of which is on display at archaeological sites and museum complexes throughout the country. As famous as it is for its pyramids, monuments and tombs, however, Egypt is also a youthful, modernizing society responsible for one of the world’s most important waterways (the Suez Canal), major infrastructure projects (the Aswan Dam), and great feats of contemporary architecture (the impressive if long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum). About a third of the population is under the age of 25.

As a major crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt has a long history of interacting with outsiders and of integrating diverse influences, including Arabic, African, Ottoman, and European. Although the majority of its people are Muslim, Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population. Common denominators among all Egyptians include their devotion to family and their sense of generosity. Acts of hospitality are key to Egyptian identity, both within households and as a nation.

What is the visiting etiquette in Egypt?

Egypt’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs, so discretion in dress and behaviour is expected. For women, long sleeves and dresses that are knee-length or longer are preferable, while men should avoid wearing shorts or tank tops outside tourist areas. Despite the openness of most Egyptians, overt displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in public. During the lunar month of Ramadan, which typically begins in the early part of each year, discretion when publicly drinking, eating or smoking is also advisable between sunrise and sunset.

What is Egypt best known for?

Egypt has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, but it was the 1922 rediscovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb that kicked off the modern Egyptology craze, making the country synonymous with its ancient monuments. The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, both of which are located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, are just some of the most famous examples; many others, such as the temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel, line the fabled Nile River in the south of the country, from Luxor to the border with Sudan. In addition, the country is well known for its urban souks, its modern Red Sea beach resorts, its hiking trails on the windswept Sinai Peninsula and its Nile River cruises, including on traditional dahabiyas (flat-bottomed wooden sailing vessels that serve as charming alternatives to modern riverboats).

What are some Egyptian traditions?

Although Egyptian society is very family-oriented, a lot of Egyptian life takes place in public, from souks and bazaars to religious or celebratory festivals. Every June, Egyptians and foreigners alike assemble in the Red Sea town of El Gouna for the five-day Sphinx Festival, which celebrates the country’s grand heritage by bringing its ancient past to life; twice a year in Abu Simbel, the Sun Festival marks the illumination of local sun-god statues with food, music and dance.

In the souks, a certain amount of reasonable haggling over prices is expected and even welcomed by vendors. Known as ahwa, traditional coffee houses that serve as social hubs for both men and women (usually separately) also remain common, while popular sports in the country include Egyptian wrestling (documented as far back as 2400 BC) and football (which Egyptians love to both watch and play).

On the home front, Egyptians are keen hosts and informality is the rule, but guests should nonetheless bring a small gift, such as chocolates, when visiting someone’s residence (flowers should be avoided, as they’re associated with weddings or mourning). It is also customary to slip off one’s shoes before entering a home (Egyptians do so everywhere from mosques to city apartments to Bedouin tents). And if any coffee or tea is spilled during a visit, don’t fret: It’s considered a good omen, heralding prosperity.

What are Egyptian people like socially?

In Egyptian culture, warmly greeting someone you know or see regularly is expected. Girls and women kiss each other on the cheek, while boys and men shake hands or kiss cheeks. In more conservative or traditional communities, Egyptian men do not generally have physical contact with women who aren’t their wives or close relatives. In a professional setting or among more Westernized individuals, it may be more common for men and women to shake hands, but it’s usually best to follow the woman’s lead on such occasions.

On the whole, punctuality is not very important in Egypt (especially in big cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, where traffic is thick and delays are common) and being late is not considered rude. Egyptians tend to communicate indirectly and generally avoid expressing negative emotions to others.

What language do Egyptian people speak?

The official spoken language in Egypt is Egyptian Arabic; most Egyptians speak one of several dialects of this language. English is also commonly spoken by staff at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, while French is taught as a secondary language in many schools and may also be spoken widely.