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What are some taboos in Egypt?

Egypt’s culture and traditions are guided by religion, history and the customs of many regions. No matter if you plan to stay just a short time or longer, being aware of local taboos helps you avoid hurting anyone by mistake. There are several taboos that are very important in Egyptian society.

Public displays of affection

Kissing or hugging someone of the other gender in public places is thought by most to be improper. While it is generally fine to walk holding hands in Cairo, openly kissing and cuddling is considered very inappropriate, especially in the country’s rural areas and among traditional leaders.

Women’s dress and behavior

In Egypt, being modest is something very important. Despite women in cities often choosing jeans and short-sleeved tops, wearing shorts, mini skirts, or revealing clothing is generally frowned upon in public—though this varies by region. In coastal resort areas like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, such outfits are more widely accepted among tourists and locals working in tourism. In some places, people might react very negatively if they see a woman smoking or drinking in public.

Talking about sex or LGBTQ+ topics

In most places, speaking about sex or LGBTQ+ rights is considered off-limits in public or with people you don’t know well. While Egypt does not have laws that explicitly criminalize LGBTQ+ identity, there are no legal protections either. In some cases, individuals have been prosecuted under vague morality or public decency laws, making this a highly sensitive topic both socially and legally. Even though it’s possible for some Egyptians to talk about these things in private, it’s important to avoid them unless you can sense your audience is ready. The conservative population often finds it offensive or shameful to even mention these subjects.

Photography without permission

Ask for consent before you take someone’s picture, paying particular attention to taking portraits of women, children or religious landmarks. You are not allowed to photograph military or government buildings and doing so could have legal ramifications.

Eating and drinking during Ramadan

For the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking from the first light of day until sunset. Anyone not fasting should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the daytime. For the first part of the day, many places will be shut, so eat discreetly in private if you're not fasting, to show respect.

Using the left hand

Egyptian tradition sees the left hand as unclean because it is used for cleansing the body. Whenever you have food, pass something or greet someone, use your right hand.

Criticizing religion or government

Both their religion and how they feel about their country are serious matters to Egyptians. Don’t make negative comments about Islam, the Quran, mosques or Egypt’s political figures. Statements like these can hurt the feelings of locals and, in the worst situation, get a person in trouble.

Personal and financial questions

It may feel too private to inquire about another person’s income, age or their marital status. At first, keep the topics general such as food, sports or sightseeing, until the person wants to talk about something else.

Visible tattoos and piercings

When symbols or messages on a tattoo attract notice, many conservative people or those in faith might consider them negative. As tattoos become more common among young Egyptians, it’s still best to cover them when you attend formal or traditional occasions.

Final thoughts

Cultural taboos exist in different forms depending on a person’s region, class and contact with the outside world. Younger, well-off Egyptians in cities are often more open-minded, but rural or more traditional generations are more likely to think conservatively. Noticing and being respectful of these differences will allow you to build greater connections and make sure there are no misunderstandings while in Egypt.

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