February 17 — Cairo: Egypt has announced new operating hours for shops and restaurants during the holy month of Ramadan, introducing temporary adjustments to support economic activity while maintaining public order.
The changes provide an exception to the 2020 regulation, which normally requires businesses to close at 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends during the winter season.
According to a statement from Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad, the extended hours will come into effect on Wednesday, February 18, and will remain in place until the end of the Eid holiday.
Under the revised schedule, takeaway and delivery services will be allowed to operate 24 hours a day. However, workshops located within residential areas must still close by 10pm, unless they are situated on main roads or at gas stations.
Essential services will continue to be exempt from standard closing restrictions. These include grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, fruit and vegetable vendors, and pharmacies.
Minister Awad explained that the decision is intended to support commercial activity during Ramadan while ensuring that regulations are respected. She also instructed local authorities to monitor businesses closely and take legal action against those who fail to comply.
Demand for food and essential goods typically rises during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, according to the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics.
