Egypt will officially transition to winter time on Friday, October 30, 2026. In accordance with national law, clocks will be turned back 60 minutes at midnight on Thursday, October 29. This annual adjustment, which impacts daily schedules and transportation, aims to optimize daylight usage and improve energy efficiency across the country.
The Official Schedule for October 29 and 30, 2026
The transition from summer to winter time is governed by Law No. 24 of 2023, which mandates that summer time ends on the last Thursday of October each year. Consequently, Thursday, October 29, 2026, marks the final day of the current summer time period.
At 12:00 midnight between Thursday and Friday, the clock will be set back one hour to 11:00 p.m. This shift officially initiates winter time on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Impact on Daily Operations and Transportation
The adjustment of the clock requires careful coordination for commuters and travelers. While digital devices connected to the internet typically update automatically, transportation authorities advise passengers to verify departure times for trains, subways, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
In addition to transit, the return to winter time dictates new operating hours for commercial establishments. Under the ministerial decree regulating seasonal hours, shops and malls are generally required to close by 10:00 p.m., with extended hours until 11:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and holidays, as reported by Eldyar News. Restaurants and cafes are permitted to operate until midnight, with extensions until 1:00 a.m. on weekends.
Dual-Timing System Maximizes Natural Daylight
The dual-timing system is designed to maximize the use of natural daylight.
Advice for Adjusting Personal Devices
While smartphones and computers generally adjust the time automatically, citizens are encouraged to verify their device settings to avoid scheduling conflicts. Ensuring that devices are set to the correct local time is critical for those with early morning commitments on Friday, October 30.
The move back to winter time does not alter the actual duration of work or school days, but merely shifts the official clock time by one hour. As stated by Roayah News, the change is a matter of administrative synchronization rather than a reduction in daily activity hours.
