Summary: Cairo's nightlife began reviving after the government lifted temporary energy curbs introduced amid a regional fuel squeeze. The rollback allows cafes and restaurants to stay open until 1am, with shops permitted until 11pm on weekdays (midnight at weekends), reversing earlier 9pm–11pm closures. Residents and business owners said the change restored normalcy and helped mitigate severe revenue losses, while Egypt continues to face higher fuel import bills, rising inflation and a weaker currency.
Late-Night Life Returns to Cairo as Energy Curbs Are Eased Amid Regional Fuel Squeeze
Cairo's famed nocturnal rhythm flickered back to life on Tuesday after Egypt eased energy-saving measures spurred by the Middle East war that had forced shops, cafes and restaurants to close early (Khaled DESOUKI)(Khaled DESOUKI/AFP/AFP)
Cairo's familiar nighttime hum began to return on Tuesday after authorities rolled back temporary energy-saving measures that had forced shops, cafes and restaurants to close early amid a regional fuel squeeze tied to the Middle East war.
Restrictions Relaxed After Month-Long Curbs
Sharp rises in energy prices prompted month-long limits on electricity use that compressed social and commercial life into early-evening hours. Initial orders required closures at 9pm, later extended to 11pm. On Sunday the government said cafes and restaurants may now stay open until 1am, while shops and malls may operate until 11pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends.
Nightlife Reawakens
By Tuesday night the change was visible in Heliopolis, the historic eastern district known for broad boulevards, early-20th-century architecture and a strong café culture. At 10pm, tables were full and arcaded facades glowed as friends shared shisha, families strolled and couples lingered over coffee.
"People were depressed. With rising prices and daily pressures, staying at home every night made things worse. Now people can go out, breathe fresh air and feel normal again," said Ahmed Megahed, an 82-year-old retiree.
Shopowner Wafaa Ahmed described the curbs as a citywide blow. "It was a disaster before, not just for us shopowners, but for everyone," she said, adding the restrictions slashed her revenues by about 80 percent. Police patrols had enforced the closures with fines up to 50,000 Egyptian pounds (about $946), and repeat violations risked jail.
Economic Strain Underpins the Measures
Egypt, heavily reliant on imported fuel, has been hit by the regional conflict. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the monthly energy import bill more than doubled earlier this year to $2.5 billion. The Egyptian pound has lost roughly 15 percent of its value and inflation topped 13 percent in March. The government has promoted incentives to accelerate a shift to solar power and aired campaigns urging consumers to cut electricity use.
For many residents and business owners, the eased hours offer a chance to recover lost sales and restore a sense of normalcy as the city heads into the summer season.
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