Cairo Cafés vs. Residents
In April 2026, Cairo authorities banned the issuance of new licenses for cafés and restaurants in several neighborhoods, including Heliopolis, Maadi, Zamalek, and Garden City. Existing licensed businesses were allowed to continue operating, while new licenses were put on hold. Months after the decision, the debate remains: Is restricting new café and restaurant licenses enough to address residents’ concerns, and how is the decision affecting businesses already operating in these neighborhoods?