Egypt’s government has introduced a new early curfew on businesses, sparking concerns among traders and hospitality operators across the country. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that shops, restaurants, and malls must close by 9:00 pm on weekdays, with a slight extension to 10:00 pm on weekends. The measure, initially set for one month, is intended to curb surging energy costs that have more than doubled in recent months.
For many business owners in Cairo, the curfew poses a significant threat to revenue, particularly in districts reliant on evening tourism.
Ahmed Ali, owner of a local bazaar, voiced his frustration:
“This decision will affect my business, everything employees, salaries. It’s almost 8 pm now, and tourists are still arriving. How can you expect me to close at nine? Will the tourists be able to leave in just one hour? It’s unreasonable. We need the closure extended by one or two hours at least.”
Retailers, restaurants, and hospitality providers warn that the restrictions could ripple across multiple sectors. Remon Wagieh, a jewelry shop owner, added:
“The decision will affect all sectors in the country, whether it’s jewelry, tourism, restaurants, or any other area. Everyone will be affected. Tourists in Egypt often stay out late; curfews risk reducing spending and dampening nightlife.”
Government officials say the curfew is necessary to alleviate pressure from rising fuel costs linked to regional instability, which has driven up import prices and strained national finances. While authorities insist that key tourist hubs will remain operational, local businesses remain concerned about the broader economic impact of the shortened operating hours.
The curfew highlights the tension between fiscal necessity and sustaining vibrant commercial activity in Egypt, a country where evening commerce plays a crucial role in both the economy and cultural life.
