Egypt orders early closures, remote work

RIYADH, Mar 29 (Arab News): Egypt has ordered early closures of shops and restaurants and introduced partial remote working in a bid to curb energy consumption, as higher global fuel costs and regional conflicts strain the country's import bill.

Under directives issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, commercial establishments including malls, restaurants, and public venues must close by 9:00 p.m., with extended hours until 10:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays, according to the State Information Service.

The prime minister also mandated that both the public and private sectors work remotely every Sunday, starting April 1, for one month, with factories, water, gas, and sanitation services, as well as hospitals, schools, and universities, exempt from this decision.