The Egyptian government has implemented new winter operating hours for shops, restaurants, and cafes, effective Friday, September 25, 2026. According to the new schedule, commercial shops and malls will open at 7:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM on regular days. The hours will be extended on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as on public holidays and celebrations, with a closing time of 11:00 PM.
The new winter hours differ from the previous summer schedule, which has ended. The decision to adjust the operating hours aims to regulate the working hours of general establishments and provide better services to citizens. The Ministry of Local Development is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these new hours.
Restaurants, cafes, and bazaars have different operating hours, starting at 5:00 AM and closing at midnight on regular days. On Thursdays and Fridays, as well as on public holidays and celebrations, their closing time will be extended to 1:00 AM. These hours apply to establishments located within commercial malls, and take-out and delivery services are available 24/7.
The operating hours for workshops and handicrafts within residential areas are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, some workshops are exempt from these hours, including those located on roads, fuel stations, and those providing urgent services to citizens, subject to specific regulations and decisions.
Certain activities are exempt from the general closing hours, including those that provide essential goods and services to citizens or require operation at different times. These exemptions include grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, poultry shops, wholesale markets, pharmacies, and workshops on roads and fuel stations.
The implementation of the new winter hours for shops and businesses does not coincide with the change in clock time, which occurs at the end of October. The new schedule is based on the regulations for opening and closing general establishments and does not imply a change in clock time.
The new winter hours aim to provide a better balance between the needs of citizens, business owners, and employees. By regulating the operating hours, the government seeks to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the commercial sector, while also enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
Key points
- The new winter operating hours for shops and businesses in Egypt are now in effect, with some exceptions for certain activities and establishments.
- Commercial shops and malls will close at 10:00 PM on regular days and 11:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays.
- Restaurants, cafes, and bazaars have extended operating hours, closing at 1:00 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays.
