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Cairo’s Nightlife Transformed: The Impact of Energy Crisis on Summer Evenings

Explore how Cairo’s vibrant nightlife has adapted to the challenges of the energy crisis, reshaping summer evenings into unique experiences. Discover the innovative shifts and cultural resilience that define the city’s after-dark scene.

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Cairo’s Summer Nights: A Shift in Routine

As the clock strikes ten p.m. in Cairo’s bustling Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood, the city transforms under the glow of fluorescent lights. While many places around the world wind down for the night, the vibrant streets of Cairo are still alive, brimming with energy and activity. In the sweltering summer heat, the city’s rhythm changes; daytime is reserved for refuge, where people seek solace from the sun’s relentless rays, while nighttime is when life truly begins.

This summer, however, the familiar pulse of Cairo’s nightlife is considerably muted. With an ongoing energy crisis gripping the nation, the government has implemented stringent measures to conserve electricity. As a result, the once-lively streets begin to quiet down by 10 p.m., a stark contrast to previous years when the neighborhood thrived long into the early hours. The vibrant shops and cafes that used to buzz with chatter and laughter now close their doors early, their colorful facades shifting to somber shades of gray.

The economic challenges facing Egypt have been mounting for years, leaving many citizens grappling with rising prices and limited resources. A severe shortage of natural gas has forced the government to enact daily blackouts, crippling businesses and everyday life. In July, authorities issued directives to combat the energy shortfall: all stores must shut down by 10 p.m., while cafes, restaurants, and malls must close their doors by midnight, with a slight extension on weekends. Only supermarkets and pharmacies are allowed to operate beyond these hours.

As the sun sets and temperatures finally begin to drop, residents of Sayyida Zeinab often flock to the markets and cafes, eager to enjoy the cooler evening air. Yet this summer, the once-familiar late-night hustle and bustle is stifled by the constraints of the new regulations. The streets that once thrummed with life are now quieter, a poignant reminder of how quickly circumstances can shift.

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