Malls & Restaurants to Close at 2 AM During Ramadan in Egypt

Retail and hospitality venues across Egypt will close at 2 AM daily throughout Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday under a temporary schedule issued by the Higher Committee for Public Shops Licensing.

The decision was set by Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad, who chairs the committee, as an exception to the standing hours outlined in Committee Decision 456 of 2020.

It applies to shops, malls, restaurants, cafés and bazaars nationwide during the holy month and the Eid break. Restaurants and cafés will be permitted to continue takeaway and home delivery services 24 hours a day.

Workshops located within residential areas must close at 10 PM, although workshops on highways and at fuel stations are exempt from this restriction.

Essential services linked to daily needs are excluded from the 2 AM closure. Grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries and ovens may continue operating beyond the general schedule.

Fruit and vegetable sellers, poultry shops, wholesale markets and pharmacies are also permitted extended hours to maintain access to basic goods and services. The temporary hours will take effect from Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 and remain in place until the end of the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

Governorates have been instructed to oversee implementation, coordinate with relevant authorities and activate inspection committees to ensure compliance. Legal action will be taken against violators in accordance with applicable regulations.