The operation time of Al-Azhar tunnel, which connects downtown Cairo with Salah Salem road, will be extended from Saturday through Wednesday during the holy month of Ramadan.

Previously operating from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, the tunnel will now remain open until 2:00 am.

Additionally, on Thursday and Friday, the tunnel will operate around the clock to relieve the expected traffic congestion on weekends.

The cabinet has recently decided to extend the operating hours for stores, eateries, malls, cafes, and bazaars until 2 am throughout the month.

This decision will come into effect on the first day of Ramadan and will remain in place until the end of the three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday on 23 April, which marks the end of the holy month.

According to the cabinet’s decision, venues can run 24-hours a day for home delivery and takeaway services.

Supermarkets, groceries, bakeries and pharmacies are exempt from the decision as they are already permitted to function around the clock.

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta declared that Wednesday would be the last day in the month of Sha’ban due to lack of sighting of the crescent following Maghreb prayers on Tuesday.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is revered by Muslims across the world as the month in which the Quran was revealed.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, read the Quran, and deepen their spiritual connection with God.