Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt will return to normal business hours for shops, malls, and restaurants after the government officially suspended the 11PM closing rule, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced during a high-level crisis management meeting.
The decision comes as Cairo recalibrates its domestic measures in response to the ongoing regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, while simultaneously launching new initiatives to stabilize the economy and reduce energy pressure.
Return to Normal Hours
According to the cabinet, the earlier restrictions on operating hours introduced as part of energy-saving measures, will be lifted, allowing businesses to resume their previous schedules.
The move is expected to provide immediate relief to the retail and hospitality sectors, which had been impacted by reduced evening activity and lower consumer traffic.
Solar Energy Push Gains Priority
At the same meeting, Madbouly directed officials to fast-track a new incentive program encouraging factories and households to transition to solar energy.
The government signaled that expanding renewable energy adoption is now a central priority, particularly as global energy markets face volatility linked to the regional crisis.
Officials say the initiative will include incentives aimed at reducing costs for businesses and homeowners seeking to install solar systems, though full details are expected to be announced soon.
Crisis Response in Focus
The decisions were made during a meeting of Egypt’s central crisis committee, which reviewed the economic and security fallout from escalating military operations in the region.
The government emphasized ongoing coordination across ministries to secure long-term reserves of essential goods and petroleum products, following directives from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Authorities are also maintaining strict market oversight to prevent price manipulation and ensure the availability of goods at stable prices.
Economic Pressures Mount
Officials warned that the broader regional conflict is already impacting global economic indicators, with rising energy and food prices expected to weigh on growth.
Government projections, citing international institutions, point to a slowdown in global economic growth to around 3.1% in 2026, down from 3.4% in 2025, with sharper declines anticipated across the Middle East and North Africa.
At the same time, global trade growth is expected to weaken significantly, while inflationary pressures remain elevated.
Balancing Stability and Reform
The government’s dual approach lifting restrictions while pushing structural energy reforms, reflects an effort to balance short-term economic stability with long-term resilience.
While businesses regain operational flexibility, the shift toward solar energy signals a broader strategy to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources amid an increasingly uncertain regional landscape.
For Egypt, the message is clear: stabilize now, adapt for what comes next.
