Egypt imposes strict advertising lighting curbs on public roads

The Egyptian cabinet approved a comprehensive set of regulations to rationalise electricity consumption in the outdoor advertising sector, Al Ahram reported on April 30. 

The measures, drafted by the National Agency for Public Road Advertising, represent a critical pillar of the state's strategy to mitigate the energy shortfall exacerbated by the ongoing regional conflict with Iran.

To mitigate the fiscal impact of the 2026 US-Iran war, the Egyptian government has implemented a nationwide energy-rationing plan that includes cutting street lighting by 50%, mandating Sunday remote work for public sector employees, and enforcing a 30% reduction in government fuel allocations to offset the doubling of its monthly energy import bill.

Under the new mandates, the use of advertising lighting during daylight hours is strictly prohibited. This ban encompasses all formats, including spotlights, backlit units, and MUPI city lights. The only exceptions are billboards equipped with smart light sensors and automatic dimming systems, which must cap their operational capacity at 37.5% during the day and a mere 4% at night.

As per the new measures, lighting must be extinguished from midnight until 05:00 for internal urban roads, covering digital screens and shopfronts alike, with exemptions limited to designated tourist zones. Major highways are subject to the same midnight blackout. The agency now requires all advertisers to utilise high-efficiency LED technology and energy-saving cooling systems for digital displays.

Iman Nabil, the agency’s CEO, explained that these regulations are now a national necessity to ensure energy security. She confirmed that compliance will be a prerequisite for the issuance or renewal of all advertising licences to enhance sustainability and a disciplined domestic market.