As Egypt prepares to transition to daylight saving time, citizens are gearing up for the clock change that will officially take effect at midnight on Friday, April 25, 2025. Under the provisions of Law No. 34 of 2023, which was approved by the House of Representatives and ratified by the President, the clocks will be set forward by one hour, marking the start of the summer time period.
This move is part of the Egyptian government's broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. According to a previous statement from the Council of Ministers, implementing daylight saving time is projected to save the country approximately $25 million. The Ministry of Electricity has indicated that this adjustment could lead to a 1% reduction in electricity usage, translating to an annual savings of around $150 million.
The daylight saving time initiative will continue until the end of Thursday, October 30, 2025, when the clocks will revert back by one hour, returning to standard time. This seasonal shift is intended to maximize the use of natural daylight during the longer days of summer, thereby decreasing reliance on artificial lighting, particularly in public spaces and government offices.
"The aim is to alleviate pressure on the national electricity grid during peak hours, especially in the summer months when demand surges," a government official stated. This initiative is expected to not only ease the burden on energy resources but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability by reducing emissions from fossil fuel consumption.
As the country prepares for this transition, citizens are advised to adjust their devices accordingly. Many smartphones will automatically update the time, but users may need to manually adjust their settings if their devices do not respond to the automatic updates. To ensure a smooth transition, people are encouraged to check their device settings and activate the options for network-based time updates.
In terms of daily life, the change in time will affect various aspects, including prayer schedules for the Muslim community. On Friday, April 25, 2025, the prayer times following the implementation of daylight saving will be as follows: Fajr at 4:44 AM, Dhuhr at 12:53 PM, Asr at 4:29 PM, Maghrib at 7:29 PM, and Isha at 8:52 PM.
In Alexandria, the prayer times will be slightly different, with Fajr at 4:46 AM, Dhuhr at 12:58 PM, Asr at 4:36 PM, Maghrib at 7:35 PM, and Isha at 9:00 PM. In Ismailia, the times will be Fajr at 4:39 AM, Dhuhr at 12:49 PM, Asr at 4:26 PM, Maghrib at 7:25 PM, and Isha at 8:49 PM. Similarly, in other regions like Sharqia and Aswan, the timings will also reflect the new daylight saving adjustments.
The economic implications of this time change are significant as well. The government anticipates that by optimizing energy usage, it will not only cut costs but also enhance the overall efficiency of power consumption across the nation. This aligns with Egypt's goals of achieving sustainable development, particularly in relation to clean energy and climate action.
As the clock ticks down to the change, many are also keeping an eye on the fluctuations in gold prices, which have recently seen an uptick, with 24-karat gold reaching 5400 Egyptian pounds. This rise in prices is a concern for many consumers, especially as they prepare for the financial implications of the upcoming summer.
In conclusion, the implementation of daylight saving time in Egypt is a strategic move aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing electricity consumption. With the clock change set to occur at midnight on April 25, 2025, citizens are encouraged to prepare for the adjustment and embrace the benefits that this initiative promises to bring.