Data shows UAE has the world's highest percentage of night owls

A new report from ŌURA reveals the 'UAE Sleep Paradox': residents average fewer hours than the global norm but rank 4th globally for deep sleep quality.

Living in the UAE often feels like a 24/7 commitment. Between late-night dinners, extended mall hours, and a demanding work culture, sleep can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Now, data backs up that feeling.

Understanding the UAE Deep Sleep Phenomenon

According to this ŌURA UAE sleep report 2026, UAE residents sleep less than the global average but manage to achieve exceptionally high sleep efficiency. The report, which analyses data from October 2024 to September 2025, identifies a unique "UAE Sleep Paradox": while quantity is low, quality is surprisingly high.

This focus on recovery metrics over raw hours mirrors what we found in our WHOOP review, where efficiency often painted a more accurate picture of health than duration alone.

Key Takeaways from the ŌURA UAE Sleep Report 2026

Average sleep duration: 6.85 hours (below recommended 7-9 hours).
UAE deep sleep ranking: 4th globally (74.6 minutes per night).
Efficiency: 85.8% sleep efficiency, surpassing the global average.
Chronotypes: UAE has the highest percentage of "Late Evening" types globally (6.67%).
Weekend recovery: Residents sleep 15-20 minutes longer on weekends.

Decoding the Numbers: UAE Sleep Quality Over Quantity

The headline figure is 6.85 hours. That is the average time UAE residents spend asleep, falling short of the standard 7-9 hour recommendation. In comparison, New Zealand tops the chart at 7.4 hours, while Japan sits at the bottom with 5.8 hours.

However, the granular data tells a more positive story. ŌURA found that UAE residents rank fourth globally for deep sleep, averaging 74.6 minutes per night. This high deep sleep average contributes to the overall UAE sleep quality. Sleep efficiency—the percentage of time in bed actually spent sleeping—sits at 85.8%, which is higher than the global average.

This suggests a rapid adaptation of UAE residents to the region's lifestyle. We fall asleep quickly (sleep latency is low) and stay in restorative stages longer, effectively maximising a shorter window of rest.

UAE Sleep Patterns: The 'Night Owl' Economy Explained

If you have ever wondered why traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road is heavy at 10pm, or why cafes are full at midnight, this ŌURA UAE sleep report 2026 offers a biological explanation. The UAE's sleep patterns show it has the highest percentage of "Late Evening" chronotypes in the world at 6.67%, more than double the global average of 3%.

Combined with "Early Evening" and "Evening" types, a significant portion of the population is biologically wired to stay awake later. The average bedtime is 12.06am, with a wake-up time of nearly 8am. This shift suggests that the late-night culture in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, indicative of broader UAE sleep patterns, isn't just social—it is physiological.

This late-night energy fuels the entertainment sector, from midnight movie screenings to late dining options like the new Third Avenue menu at Dubai Mall. The economy has effectively moulded itself around these shifted circadian rhythms.

Impact on UAE Sleep: The Cost of Coffee and Travel

Two major lifestyle factors heavily impact these numbers: caffeine and travel. The report highlights that caffeine consumption among UAE residents leads to a significant reduction in rest, specifically, 49 minutes less total sleep on days when users tag caffeine intake.

Travel also plays a massive role. As a global transit hub, UAE residents are frequent flyers. The data shows that while UAE sleep duration recovers quickly after a trip, sleep timing (bedtime and wake time) can remain misaligned for up to 15 days, particularly after travelling east.

Weekly and Seasonal Rhythms in UAE Residents' Sleep

The data reveals a clear "weekend recovery" pattern for UAE residents. They bank an extra 15 to 20 minutes of sleep on Saturdays and Sundays compared to the work week. Interestingly, UAE sleep duration also improves slightly during the summer months (July and August), likely due to lifestyle shifts to avoid the heat.

Global Sleep Comparison

Here is how the UAE compares to other major markets in terms of average nightly sleep:

Country	Sleep Duration (Hours)
New Zealand	7.4
Australia	7.2
United Kingdom	6.8
United States	6.6
UAE	6.85
Germany	6.4
South Korea	6.2
Japan	5.8

FAQs

How much sleep do people in the UAE get?

On average, UAE residents get 6.85 hours of sleep per night, according to the ŌURA 'UAE: The State of Sleep 2026' report. This is slightly below the generally recommended 7-9 hours.

Is UAE sleep quality high despite fewer hours?

Yes. The data indicates that UAE residents achieve exceptionally high sleep quality and efficiency. The UAE ranks 4th globally for deep sleep duration (74.6 minutes) and has an above-average sleep efficiency score of 85.8%.

What is a 'night owl' chronotype and is it common in the UAE?

A night owl chronotype refers to individuals whose biological clocks naturally prefer later bedtimes and wake-up times. The UAE has the highest percentage of Late Evening chronotypes globally (6.67%), along with a high prevalence of evening types overall.

How does coffee affect sleep in the UAE?

Caffeine has a measurable impact on local sleep patterns. On days where caffeine consumption is tagged, users experience 49 minutes less total sleep, along with reductions in both REM and deep sleep stages.