Many citizens in Egypt are eagerly anticipating the start of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 2025. On April 16, 2023, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi approved Law No. 34 of 2023, which regulates the implementation of DST. This law aims to increase the official clock by one hour during the summer months, allowing citizens to take full advantage of the longer daylight hours from spring through summer. As the winter season approaches, the clock will revert to the standard time, reducing the extended daylight benefit.
The return of DST comes after a seven-year hiatus; the Council of Ministers, led by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, approved the draft law during its 231st meeting on March 1, 2023. The decision to reinstate DST was influenced by global economic conditions and the government's efforts to rationalize energy consumption.
Why was Friday chosen for the time change? Friday, being a holiday for most sectors in the country, minimizes the potential for confusion or errors related to time adjustments. This choice also provides a full 24-hour window for citizens to adapt to the change, reducing the likelihood of disruptions in work and essential services that might occur if the change were made on a regular working day.
The official start date for Daylight Saving Time in 2025 has been set for Friday, April 25. This date aligns with the last Friday of the month, and at midnight, the clocks will move forward by 60 minutes, marking the transition to the new time. Specifically, when the clock strikes midnight on Friday, it will be adjusted to 1:00 AM.
To prepare for this change, the government has provided guidance on how to adjust clocks on various devices. For Android users, the steps include accessing the phone's settings, selecting "Additional settings," then "Date & Time," and ensuring that the time is set to update automatically. iPhone users can do this by going into the settings, selecting "General," then "Date & Time," and toggling the automatic setting.
Additionally, the reinstatement of DST is expected to yield several economic benefits. According to studies conducted by the Ministry of Electricity, implementing DST could save approximately $25 million by reducing gas consumption used for electricity production. Furthermore, it is projected that DST will contribute to a 1% reduction in overall electricity consumption, leading to an estimated annual savings of around $150 million.
The significance of adopting Daylight Saving Time in Egypt for 2025 extends beyond mere timekeeping. It represents a crucial step towards sustainable energy practices, aiming to enhance the efficient use of available resources. By reducing nighttime lighting periods, DST can help decrease electricity consumption and alleviate pressure on energy supplies.
In light of these developments, many citizens are taking proactive steps to ensure their devices are ready for the upcoming time change. The government encourages everyone to check their devices and make necessary adjustments ahead of April 25.
As the date approaches, discussions around the implications of DST are becoming more prevalent. The government’s decision to reinstate DST has sparked debates about its potential impact on daily life, work schedules, and energy consumption patterns.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of Daylight Saving Time in Egypt marks an important policy shift aimed at optimizing energy use and adapting to changing economic realities. As citizens prepare for the clock adjustment, the broader implications of this decision will likely continue to unfold in the coming months.
