Government decree for early closure of shops, restaurants, bazaars, and entertainment venues takes effect Saturday

CAIRO – 27 March 2026: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued a decree outlining the legal mechanisms for the early closure of shops, malls, and restaurants. Under the new regulations, these establishments will close to the public at 9:00 PM.

The first article of the decree stipulates that all public establishments—including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and bazaars—shall close daily at 9:00 PM. This applies to all entities subject to the Public Establishments Law (Law No. 154 of 2019).

On Thursdays, Fridays, and official holidays or special occasions designated by the Prime Minister, the closing time is extended to 10:00 PM. These regulations do not supersede existing rules regarding workshops and craft establishments in residential areas, as defined by the Minister of Local Development's Decision No. 456 of 2020.

Home delivery services, where available, are permitted to continue operating 24 hours a day.

The standard closing hours also apply to cafeterias, nightclubs, discos, and shops selling antiques or tourist goods governed by the Hotel and Tourism Establishments Law (Law No. 8 of 2022).

According to Article 2, all sports clubs, public facilities, factory/company clubs, and youth development centers must also close to the public at 9:00 PM daily, with the same 10:00 PM extension for weekends and official holidays.

Article 3 clarifies that the 9:00 PM closure does not apply to grocery stores, supermarkets, and wholesale markets, nor does it affect bakeries and pharmacies. Furthermore, exemptions are granted to fruit, vegetable, and poultry shops to ensure the continued supply of food.

Also, the decree does not apply to licensed tourist restaurants and cafeterias located within airports, seaports, land ports, and train stations. Establishments located within or attached to hotels are also exempt from these specific closing hours.

The decree further stipulates that these restrictions shall not apply to public or tourist establishments located in the governorates of South Sinai, Luxor, and Aswan. Similarly, the cities of Hurghada and Marsa Alam in the Red Sea Governorate are exempt, as are establishments located on the Nile River within the governorates of Cairo and Giza.

The decision officially comes into force on Saturday, March 28, and will remain in effect for a period of one month.