Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued a decision outlining new legal procedures for closing public venues, commercial centers, and restaurants from nine pm onward.
Article One of the decision specifies that, with the exception of workshops and craft businesses within residential areas (as per Article Three of Minister of Local Development’s Decision No. 456 of 2020), all public establishments, including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and bazaars, must close daily at 9:00 pm.
The decision excludes Thursdays, Fridays, public holidays, and official occasions determined by a decision by the prime minister, during which closing time will be extended to 10:00 pm. Delivery services, where available, will remain operational 24/7.
The decision also applies to restaurants, cafes, bazaars, night entertainment venues, discotheques, and shops selling tourist goods, which are governed by the Hotel and Tourist Establishments Law (Law No. 8 of 2022).
Article Two of the decision mandates that sports clubs, popular clubs, company and factory clubs, youth centers, and community development centers close daily at nine PM, except on Thursdays, Fridays, public holidays, and official occasions when the closing time will be 10:00 pm.
Article Three clarifies that the decision does not apply to grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, or tourist-licensed restaurants and cafes at airports, seaports, and train stations.
It also exempts some night activities, such as fruit and vegetable stores, poultry shops, and wholesale markets.
Article Four specifies that the decision will not apply to public and tourist establishments in the governorates of South Sinai, Luxor, Aswan, or the cities of Hurghada and Marsa Alam in the Red Sea governorate.
It also excludes establishments located along the Nile River in Cairo and Giza governorates.
The decision will take effect starting Saturday, March 28, 2026, for an initial duration of one month.
