Egypt Reintroduces Daylight Saving Time on Friday, April 24

Egypt is set to embrace Daylight Saving Time once again, with clocks scheduled to spring forward by 60 minutes starting Friday, April 24, 2026. This marks the reinstatement of a practice that was a familiar part of Egyptian life for years before its abolition in 2016.

The decision to bring back DST was made by the government in 2023, under the cabinet of Mostafa Madbouly, responding to the nation's evolving economic conditions and persistent energy challenges. A joint report by the House of Representatives' committees on Local Administration and Constitutional and Legislative Affairs in 2024 clarified the rationale, emphasizing the primary objective: to bolster state efforts in rationalizing energy consumption. This is seen as a crucial measure in light of ongoing global economic pressures.

The new law, passed by the House of Representatives in April 2023, establishes a clear framework for DST. It mandates that the system begins on the last Friday of April each year and concludes on the last Thursday of October. This structured approach ensures predictability and allows for strategic planning related to energy management.

The reintroduction of DST is a pragmatic response to contemporary challenges. By adjusting clocks, Egypt aims to optimize energy usage during daylight hours, potentially reducing the strain on the national power grid and contributing to overall energy efficiency. This initiative reflects a government actively seeking solutions to economic and environmental pressures, adapting established practices to meet modern demands.