Egypt will extend the opening hours for shops, malls, and restaurants until 11 PM between April 10 and April 13 to mark upcoming Christian holidays, the cabinet announced on Wednesday.
The decision, approved during a weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, shifts the closing time from the standard 9 PM following a recommendation from the Central Committee for Crisis Management. The cabinet offered its congratulations to Pope Tawadros II and the Christian community ahead of the period.
During the session, Madbouly stated that the government will maintain continuous monitoring of measures to rationalise public spending and reduce fuel consumption. These measures are intended to maximise returns from renewable energy and mitigate the economic consequences of regional instability on the state budget, according to a government statement.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with officials earlier on Wednesday to review the progress of the national economic reform programme and to finalise Egypt’s vision for the period following its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sisi directed the government to focus on improving the quality of life for citizens and increasing private sector participation in the economy to counteract the effects of regional conflict on global supply chains and commodity markets.
Madbouly also addressed the ninth Egypt Energy Show (EGYPS 2026), describing it as a platform for managing the impact of the regional crisis on the energy sector. He noted that Sisi had held discussions with international energy firms to encourage the expansion of exploration and production activities within Egypt.
The cabinet further noted that the Arab Interior Ministers Council has awarded Sisi the “Prince Naif Medal for Arab Security (First Class)” in recognition of his efforts to promote regional stability and security cooperation.
