The Egyptian government has implemented new winter operating hours for various commercial activities, effective Friday, September 25. According to the new schedule, commercial shops and shopping malls will open daily at 7:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM. However, they will have extended closing times of 11:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and official national holidays. This move aims to regulate the operating hours of businesses across the country.
Restaurants, cafés, and bazaars will begin operations at 5:00 AM and close at midnight daily. Similar to commercial shops, they will also have extended operating hours until 1:00 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays. This adjustment allows businesses to cater to customers during peak hours while also ensuring they adhere to the new winter schedule. The changes are expected to impact the daily routines of Egyptians who frequent these establishments.
Takeaway and 24-hour home delivery services will continue to operate without interruption, providing customers with the convenience of ordering food and other essentials at any time. This exemption ensures that essential services remain accessible to the public. The Ministry of Local Development has overseen the implementation of these new winter business hours, which will be in effect independently of daylight saving time adjustments.
Certain establishments have been exempted from the new winter operating hours. These include grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, and pharmacies, as well as fruit, vegetable, poultry, and meat markets. These essential services will continue to operate according to their usual schedules, ensuring that the public has access to necessary goods and services.
Workshops and craft businesses located within residential areas are permitted to operate daily from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. However, exceptions are granted to workshops situated along highways or affiliated with service stations, which are governed by specific operational directives issued by local administration authorities. This allows for a balance between economic activity and residential peace.
The implementation of winter business hours operates independently of daylight saving time adjustments. Standard winter time will officially resume on the final Thursday of October, October 29, when clocks will be turned back 60 minutes at midnight to become 11:00 PM. This change will ensure a smooth transition to winter time and minimize disruptions to daily life.
The new winter operating hours are expected to have a significant impact on the retail sector and daily life in Egypt. The changes aim to promote a balance between economic activity and public convenience. As the country adjusts to the new schedule, businesses and customers alike will need to adapt to the revised operating hours. The decree excludes critical services to ensure continuous public convenience.
Key points
- New winter operating hours for commercial activities in Egypt take effect on September 25.
- Exempted establishments include grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, and pharmacies.
- Standard winter time will officially resume on October 29.
