A man closes the door of a shop in Cairo, Egypt, to comply with the government's order for businesses to shut down nightly at 9 p.m. Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua News Agency/via Getty Images hide caption

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Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua News Agency/via Getty Images

In Cairo, streets come alive in the evening as many people go out to shake off the stress of the day, or shop after a long day of work.

These days, however, the megalopolis is quiet and dark.

The government has ordered all businesses, including cafes, shops and restaurants, to close at 9 p.m. in an effort to conserve energy. Streetlights are also turned off.

"Maybe for the states or for Europe 9 p.m. is not bad, but in Egypt usually we stay out until midnight or even after midnight.…