Cafes, shops and streets revive as Egypt eases wartime power restrictions

Last updated: April 29, 2026 | 06:08

People are seen out at night in downtown Cairo on April 28, 2026. AFP

Cairo's famed nocturnal rhythm flickered back to life on Tuesday after Egypt eased energy-saving measures spurred by the Middle East war that had forced shops, cafes and restaurants to close early, dimming a city long defined by its late-night buzz.

Soaring energy prices, driven by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, had prompted month-long restrictions to curb electricity use, compressing social and commercial life in the region's largest metropolis into unfamiliar early hours.

Initial shutdowns at 9 pm local time, later extended to 11 pm, left streets unusually quiet and fuelled frustration among traders and customers alike.

On Sunday, the government announced the measures would be lifted, allowing cafes and restaurants to stay open until 1 am.…