Egypt will implement new regulations requiring earlier closing times for shops, restaurants, and public venues, following a decree issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The decision will come into effect on Saturday, March 28, and will remain in place for a period of one month.
Under the new rules, all public establishments—including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and bazaars—will close daily at 9:00 PM. The regulation applies to all entities operating under the Public Establishments Law (Law No. 154 of 2019). On Thursdays, Fridays, and official holidays or special occasions designated by the Prime Minister, closing hours will be extended to 10:00 PM.
The decree also includes sports clubs, youth centers, and various public and private recreational facilities, which will follow the same schedule of closing at 9:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.
Despite the new restrictions, several essential services are exempt. Grocery stores, supermarkets, wholesale markets, bakeries, and pharmacies will continue operating under their normal hours. Additionally, fruit, vegetable, and poultry shops are excluded from the early closing requirement to ensure the steady availability of food supplies.
Home delivery services will remain operational 24 hours a day, providing continued access to goods and services outside standard business hours.
The decree also outlines exemptions for specific locations and sectors. Tourist restaurants and cafeterias located in airports, seaports, land ports, and railway stations are not subject to the new closing times. Similarly, establishments hotels are exempt from the regulation.
Geographically, the decision does not apply to several key tourist destinations, including the governorates of South Sinai, Luxor, and Aswan, as well as the cities of Hurghada and Marsa Alam in the Red Sea Governorate. Establishments operating on the Nile River within Cairo and Giza are also excluded.
Officials noted that the new measures aim to regulate operating hours while maintaining essential services and supporting tourism activity in designated areas.
The decision reflects a temporary regulatory adjustment and will be reviewed after its one-month implementation period.
