Egypt's tourist resorts exempt from energy restrictions

Egypt’s tourist resorts will be exempt from measures to reduce energy consumption in the country.

Restrictions include shortening the opening hours of restaurants, shops and museums. The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) said the new measures, which came into effect from 28 March 2026, will be in place for one month in response to the current energy crisis linked to the Israel-US-Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 

The country’s Tourism Minister, Sherif Fathy, said the temporary move was in response to “ongoing global developments” but pledged the measures would not be rolled out in tourist resorts, including Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, Aswan and Sharm El-Sheikh.

RELATED:

What’s new in Egypt?

Accor signs Swissôtel Cairo West in Egypt

GCC bookings to Egypt climb 12%

Tourist restaurants in all destinations, including Cairo, will also be exempt from restrictions. 

Restrictions will include closing shops, typically open until 10pm or 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends, at 9pm on weekdays and at 10pm on weekends, and reducing street and advertising lighting in a bid to cut back on electricity consumption.

Fathy reaffirmed the country’s commitment to providing a “safe, high-qualit and fully integrated tourism experience for all visitors”, adding the moves were temporary and regulatory in nature.