Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, which means public displays of affection like holding hands between couples can be viewed negatively. However, attitudes are slowly changing, especially in more liberal cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Here are some quick answers to key questions on holding hands in Egypt:
Is it illegal to hold hands in Egypt?
No, there is no law prohibiting hand-holding in Egypt. However, it is culturally frowned upon by more conservative Egyptians.
Will you get in trouble for holding hands?
Most likely not in tourist areas, large cities, or among younger generations. Older and more religious Egyptians may give disapproving looks or make comments. Use discretion based on your surroundings.
What do most Egyptians think about PDA?
Public displays of affection like kissing and overt touching are still largely taboo. Hand-holding is more accepted among younger Egyptians in cities, but more conservative areas will be less welcoming.
Is it ok for tourists to hold hands?
Yes, tourists have more freedom to hold hands than Egyptian locals. However, avoid it in religious sites and more conservative parts of the country.
Background on Egyptian Culture and PDA
Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, with around 90% of the population being Sunni Muslim. The culture tends to be conservative, especially outside of major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Displays of public affection between couples like kissing, hugging, and overt touching goes strongly against traditional cultural and religious norms. Hand-holding is generally more tolerated than other forms of PDA, but attitudes depend heavily on context. Here are some cultural factors that influence how hand-holding is perceived in Egypt:
- Older generations tend to be more conservative than younger people.
- Urban areas like Cairo are more liberal than rural parts of the country.
- Religious sites, mosques, and universities frown upon PDA the most.
- Working-class Egyptians tend to hold more conservative views than upper classes.
- Resorts and tourist sites are more accommodating of Western social norms.
- Younger Egyptians and artists/intellectual crowds have more progressive attitudes.
Foreign tourists and expats living in Egypt do have more flexibility than locals when it comes to hand-holding and PDA. But it’s still wise to be respectful of local cultural norms. Public kissing and groping are almost always unacceptable.
Views on Hand-Holding by Region
Attitudes towards couples holding hands in Egypt can vary greatly depending on where you are in the country. Here is an overview of how hand-holding is perceived in major cities and regions:
Cairo
As the modern capital and largest city, Cairo has the most liberal views on hand-holding and PDA. It’s relatively common to see young couples holding hands in cosmopolitan areas like Zamalek, Downtown, and Maadi where there are more expats and artists. Malls, cinemas, and parks are also more hand-holding friendly zones. Avoid religious sites and university campuses.
Alexandria
Egypt’s second largest city also has a fairly relaxed attitude compared to other parts of the country. Hand-holding along the scenic Corniche area and in cafes and restaurants in more Westernized neighborhoods is generally accepted. Be more discreet in old Islamic quarters and working-class districts.
Luxor and Aswan
These southern Egyptian cities that serve as gateways to ancient sites have a well-established tourist infrastructure. Hand-holding among couples strolling along the Nile is quite common. But avoid being overly affectionate near temples, mosques, and local markets.
Red Sea Resorts
The beaches and hotels along the Red Sea coast see lots of European and Russian tourists. So there is an expectation that Western social norms apply. Hand-holding at resorts and touristy areas is perfectly fine. However, be respectful if you make excursions to more conservative nearby towns.
Upper Egypt (Said)
Southern rural regions like Minya and Sohag are among Egypt’s most culturally conservative areas. Public hand-holding will garner lots of unwanted attention here. Keep even minor PDA very discreet. The same advice holds true for rural areas in the Nile Delta north of Cairo.
Sinai Peninsula
This popular beach tourism region is generally relaxed regarding hand-holding in resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh. But the interior parts of Sinai near the Red Sea coast are very conservative, so use caution holding hands there. Also be mindful of security issues when traveling in northern Sinai near Israel.
Views on Hand-Holding by Age and Background
In addition to geography, people’s age and background also influences how they perceive public hand-holding in Egypt:
Older Generation
Egyptians over 50 years old tend to hold the most conservative views regarding PDA. Public hand-holding can be seen as offensive and morally corrupt by pious older people. The stigma is stronger outside major cities.
Young People
The under 30 crowd is far more comfortable with hand-holding than older generations. Malls, cinemas, and coffee shops in Cairo, Alexandria, and Red Sea resort towns are hand-holding friendly zones for young couples. But avoid religious schools.
College Students
University students usually have the most liberal attitudes towards PDA. Holding hands on urban campuses is often tolerated, especially among artsy crowds. But the most prestigious schools like Cairo University remain conservative spaces regarding hand-holding.
Expat Community
Cairo’s sizable expat community holds some of the most relaxed views on PDA. Hand-holding by expat couples in Zamalek, Maadi, and expat-heavy social settings is perfectly acceptable. But respect local norms in public areas outside affluent enclaves.
Upper Classes
Wealthier Egyptians tend to have more progressive attitudes on hand-holding than lower income people from rural areas. Designer malls and upscale leisure spots in major cities are hand-holding friendly zones if couples keep it reasonably discreet.
Working Class
Poorer and working-class Egyptians from urban slums and villages take a dim view of couples holding hands in public. Stick to socially liberal venues like malls and theaters if engaging in PDA. Avoid hand-holding in traditional working-class quarters altogether.
Religious Sites and Hand-Holding
One place you want to absolutely avoid hand-holding or any kind of PDA as a couple in Egypt is religious sites and institutions. Here’s a more detailed look:
Mosques
Holding hands on mosque grounds or in the vicinity of entrances is considered very disrespectful. Do not do it under any circumstances.
Churches
While not as strict as mosques, it’s also prudent to refrain from hand-holding when visiting Coptic Orthodox churches and institutions. Keep physical contact to a minimum.
Synagogues
The small Jewish population in Cairo has very few functional synagogues left. But avoid public displays of affection near those that still operate.
Religious Schools
Universities like Al-Azhar in Cairo are Islamic institutions. Holding hands on premises would be taken as an insult, so don’t attempt it.
Tombs and Cemeteries
Show respect at Egyptian tombs, crypts, and cemeteries by minimizing physical contact with your partner during visits.
Pilgrimage Sites
Avoid hand-holding and overt romance if visiting major Muslim pilgrimage sites outside Mecca like Mount Sinai.
Tips for Couples Visiting Egypt
Here are some tips for couples visiting Egypt to help navigate the tricky issue of PDA and hand-holding:
– Use common sense based on location and circumstance – what flies in Red Sea resort towns may cause offense in rural Upper Egypt.
– When in doubt, refrain from hand-holding in public – being culturally sensitive wins respect.
– Avoid hand-holding near religious sites, old quarters of cities, and conservative local areas.
– If showing minor affection, do so discreetly – avoid prolonged hand-holding, kissing, hugging.
– If asked not to touch by locals, apologize and refrain immediately. Arguing causes more issues.
– Hand-holding is more accepted among younger locals – gauge reactions before engaging.
– Foreigners have more flexibility, but don’t flaunt that privilege openly.
– If harassed, seek help from authorities – don’t escalate tensions on your own.
– Research destinations beforehand – not all areas are equally welcoming of public romance.
Social Trends Making Egypt More PDA Friendly
While Egypt remains a largely conservative society, some emerging social trends are making PDA less taboo, especially in bigger cities:
Growth of Western Culture
Increased exposure to Western movies, music, and pop culture is warming attitudes among younger Egyptians towards PDA and romance. Hand-holding seems less alien.
Rise of Liberal Values
Segments of Egyptian society are gradually embracing more progressive values regarding gender, sexuality, and human rights. This liberalization extends to views on public affection.
Tourism and Living Abroad
As more Egyptians live abroad and interact with foreign tourists, they grow more accepting of Western norms like hand-holding and kissing in public.
Declining Religiosity
Polls show steady declines in religious observance among young Egyptians. This corresponds to less harsh views regarding dating and PDA relative to elders.
Modern Dating Culture
An emerging club, restaurant, and cafe culture centered on modern dating and romance makes PDA seem less offensive to youths.
Social Media
Leading Egyptian social media influencers boldly share images of couples hugging, kissing, and holding hands – taboo PDA as recently as a decade ago.
Malls and Global Brands
Modern air-conditioned malls represent socially liberal spaces where young Egyptians feel freer to engage in PDA and hand-holding. The presence of Western brands reinforces that.
Conclusion
Public hand-holding remains a sensitive matter across much of Egypt due to prevailing cultural norms. Attitudes are slowly relaxing, but discretion based on location and company is still advised. While social changes taking root among youth point to a more PDA-friendly future, Egypt’s broader conservative Islamic society continues viewing overt hand-holding and other displays of public affection as offensive. The most prudent advice for couples visiting Egypt is keep physical contact subtle, avoid religious sites, and gauge reactions before openly engaging in hand-holding.