In a statement on Sunday, Gobran said the decision applies to all employees covered by Labour Law No. 14 of 2025, aligning the private sector with a cabinet directive that grants a public holiday to government employees, public authorities, and state-owned companies.
The measure follows Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s decision to designate the day a national holiday, underscoring the significance of GEM’s long-awaited opening as a moment of national pride and international cultural recognition.
Gobran said employers may require staff to work on the day if necessary, provided they receive double pay or a compensatory day off in accordance with the law.
He added that the ministry issued Circular No. 20 of 2025 to all labour directorates nationwide to ensure the holiday is applied uniformly across sectors.
Located on the Giza Plateau overlooking the Pyramids, GEM will be the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization.
Spanning about 500,000 square metres—twice the size of the Louvre and 2.5 times that of the British Museum—it will showcase more than 100,000 artefacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time.
The opening ceremony will be attended by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, senior Egyptian officials, international dignitaries, and representatives from UNESCO and global cultural institutions.
Two decades in the making, GEM’s inauguration marks the culmination of years of planning and construction, positioning Egypt as a leading destination for heritage, tourism, and intercultural dialogue.
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