Closure of shops until 10 PM.. Start of winter hours implementation in Egypt

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The implementation of winter hours for the opening and closing of public shops, commercial centers, restaurants, cafes, and workshops in Egypt began on Friday, September 25, 2026, according to the regulations governing the operating hours of commercial activities in various governorates.

According to the new hours, commercial shops and malls will open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, with an extension of one additional hour on Thursdays and Fridays and during official holidays, closing at 11 PM.

As for restaurants, cafes, and bazaars, they will start their activities from 5 AM and continue until midnight on regular days, while operations will extend until 1 AM on Thursdays and Fridays and during official holidays. Delivery services and take-away will continue around the clock.

Regarding workshops and crafts located within residential blocks, they will operate from 8 AM to 6 PM, with exceptions for workshops located on roads and gas stations, in addition to activities related to urgent services for citizens.

Certain activities are exempt from the specified closing hours, including grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, and some activities that require longer working hours, such as fruit and vegetable shops, poultry, wholesale markets, and pharmacies.

The implementation of these hours is in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. 456 of 2020 regarding the regulation of opening and closing times for public shops, which specifies operating hours according to the nature of each activity.

The start of winter hours for shops is not linked to a change in the official time in the country, as the operating hours of commercial activities are subject to a decision independent of the law regulating summer and winter time in Egypt.