Mosque Exterior Lighting Suspended Nationwide

Exterior lighting at mosques across Egypt has been suspended under new directives issued by the Ministry of Awqaf, as part of measures aimed at reducing energy consumption.

The decision, outlined in a circular by Minister Osama Al Azhari, requires all mosques to switch off external lighting, including minarets, domes and other outdoor fixtures, and to refrain from installing any decorative lighting that consumes electricity.

The measures took effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Additional instructions limit internal lighting to essential use only and require that preaching and training activities, including seminars, be held during daytime hours to reduce electricity demand.

The circular also calls for the postponement of nonessential celebrations, conferences and events, while assigning oversight and inspection units to monitor compliance across all governorates.

The measures apply to all directorates and affiliated bodies nationwide and are positioned within broader efforts to rationalise resource use, particularly energy consumption, in light of ongoing global developments.