Ahram - Sunday, 7 January, will be a paid holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors in Egypt in observance of Coptic Orthodox Christmas, according to a decree issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Designated as a national holiday in 2002, Coptic Christmas will grant employees paid holidays across ministries, government institutions, public sector companies, local administrations, and private sector firms.

Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, who comprise 90 percent of the country’s Christian population, celebrate Christmas on 7 January according to the Julian Calendar. Smaller Egyptian Christian denominations, such as Catholics and Evangelicals, celebrate Christmas on 25 December, following the Gregorian Calendar.