Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is set to transition from summer to winter business hours for public shops and cafés starting Friday, September 26, marking the end of the summer schedule on Thursday, September 25. This change is part of a broader regulatory framework issued under Minister of Local Development Decree No. 456 of 2020, aimed at organizing the opening and closing times for commercial establishments throughout the year.
The Ministry of Local Development has directed all governorates to prepare for the enforcement of the new winter schedule by conducting field inspections and awareness campaigns to ensure compliance among shop owners. These measures are intended to enhance urban order, conserve energy, and reduce noise in residential neighborhoods.
Under the winter timetable, the operating hours for commercial entities are as follows:
- Retail shops and shopping malls are permitted to open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- On Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays, closing time is extended to 11:00 p.m.
- Restaurants, cafés, and bazaars, including those located inside malls, may operate from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. However, takeaway and delivery services are allowed to operate around the clock, ensuring continuous service for customers.
- Workshops and craft activities located within residential blocks are restricted to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though exceptions are made for workshops situated on highways, near gas stations, or those providing emergency services.
- Certain essential service providers such as grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, and ovens are exempt from the time restrictions, allowing them to serve the community without interruption.
- Additional exemptions are made for businesses tied to night-time activity, including fruit and vegetable markets, poultry shops, wholesale markets, and pharmacies, recognizing their essential nature and customer demand outside standard hours.
Moreover, local authorities in coastal governorates are granted flexibility to adjust these timings in accordance with regional tourism and seasonal considerations. Any changes, however, must be formally approved by the Minister of Local Development upon the recommendation of the respective governor.
This seasonal shift in operating hours reflects Egypt’s ongoing efforts to balance economic activity with urban management, public comfort, and energy efficiency. Authorities emphasize that the success of the transition depends on both enforcement and cooperation from business owners and the public alike.
