Egypt turns to Winter Time on Friday, clocks go back 60 minutes

Winter operating hours for retail shops, malls, and restaurants have already begun, even though the official winter time (standard time) has not yet been implemented.

With summer officially coming to an end and winter approaching, many are asking when the official transition to winter time will take place—will it happen this October?

Winter Time

Daylight saving time began in April of this year, with clocks set forward by 60 minutes.

After six months, the transition to winter time will take place in October. Clocks will be set back by 60 minutes at midnight on the last Thursday of the month—October 29th.

With only 10 days remaining until this change, clocks will be moved back by 60 minutes at the stroke of midnight, shifting the time to 11:00 PM.

Winter Operating Hours

Shops, restaurants, and shopping malls have recently begun implementing winter operating hours, in accordance with a decision issued by the Ministry of Local Development.

For the purpose of this regulation, the summer season is defined as the period beginning on the last Friday of April each year and ending on the last Thursday of September each year.

Closing times vary between weekdays and weekends or official public holidays:

• Restaurants and cafes: From 5:00 AM to midnight.
• Bazaars: From 5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
• Retail shops and malls: From 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM; this is extended until 11:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, official public holidays, and festive occasions.
• Workshops and craft businesses located within residential areas: From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.