Egypt implements winter business hours and prepares for time change

Egypt has implemented new winter operating hours for various commercial activities as of September 25, 2026. Under the new regulations, general shops and malls are scheduled to close at 10:00 PM on weekdays, with closing times extended to 11:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, holidays, and official breaks.

Restaurants and cafes follow different schedules, operating until midnight on regular days and until 1:00 AM during holidays and weekends. These measures aim to regulate work hours and contribute to energy conservation.

Separately, the country is preparing for the transition from daylight saving time to winter time. According to Law No. 34 of 2023, daylight saving time will conclude at the end of Thursday, October 29, 2026. At midnight, clocks will be set back by 60 minutes, marking the official start of winter time on Friday, October 30, 2026. The winter time period is expected to last six months, concluding in late April 2027.