Winter Time Begins in Egypt: What You Need to Know

Today, Thursday, marks the beginning of winter time in Egypt, as the country reverts to its traditional time-keeping schedule after a seven-year hiatus.

The Egyptian government’s decision to switch between summer and winter time is aimed at gaining economic benefits, particularly in terms of electricity supply.

Why the Government Decided to Return to Winter Time

According to Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, the decision to return to winter time is intended to rationalize electricity use and save on costs. By reverting to daylight saving time, the sun sets later, lengthening the day and reducing the need for artificial lighting.

The Ministry of Electricity estimates that this move will save over 1% of electricity costs, equivalent to $150 million per year.

Benefits of Winter Time

In addition to saving on electricity costs, the government believes that winter time will also help to reduce fuel consumption and promote economic growth.

As Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly noted in a statement, “The more we are able to rationalize our electricity consumption, the more we will succeed in saving foreign exchange.”

History of Winter Time in Egypt

The decision to switch between summer and winter time in Egypt dates back to 1945, during the government of Mahmoud Fahmy al-Naqrashi.

Since then, Egypt has alternated between summer and winter time each year, with some exceptions. The practice was cancelled in 2014, but was reinstated in 2023.

Implementation of Winter Time

This year, winter time is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at midnight. Egyptians will need to set their clocks back by 60 minutes, so that 12 am becomes 11 pm.

Working Hours During Winter Time

With the return of winter time, the Egyptian government has announced new working hours for shops and centers.

• Shops and malls: 7 am – 10 pm (Thursdays, Fridays, and official holidays: 7 am – 11 pm)
• Workshops and maintenance centers: 8 am – 6 pm (excluding those located on roads and gas stations)

Some activities, such as bakeries, pharmacies, grocery stores, fruit and vegetable stores, and some cafes, are exempt from the closing time to meet the basic needs of citizens throughout the day.