UAE Residents' Morning Rituals: Breakfast Insights

Breakfast Priorities: UAE Residents' Favorite Meal

Breakfast is not just a daily routine for the residents of the United Arab Emirates, but a true ritual considered by many to be the most important part of the day. According to a recent survey, nine out of ten residents say that breakfast is essential to start the day. This habit is particularly noticeable among those living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where a unique blend of cultural diversity and modern lifestyle has led to distinctive breakfast habits.

The Role of Breakfast in Quality of Life

According to the survey, 91 percent of respondents believe breakfast to be the most important meal, with 76 percent taking time to eat breakfast every day. An additional 18 percent have it at least once a week, and only 2 percent never eat breakfast. The most common reasons for skipping breakfast include being in a hurry (31 percent), lack of hunger (31 percent), or preferring to eat later (15 percent).

When Do UAE Residents Have Breakfast?

Forty-seven percent of respondents eat between 8 AM and 10 AM, while 43 percent eat between 6 AM and 8 AM. This timing aligns with the body's natural biorhythm. Choosing when to have breakfast is not just a matter of habit, but also has scientific grounding. Clinical dietitians suggest that breakfast should ideally be consumed within 2-3 hours of waking, as cortisol levels—which aid in awakening—are highest at this time.

What's on the Breakfast Table?

Eggs are by far the most popular breakfast food in the UAE. Eighty-eight percent of respondents selected it as their favorite breakfast dish, with omelets leading the choices (36 percent), followed by fried eggs (19 percent), scrambled eggs (18 percent), and boiled eggs (12 percent).

Health-conscious respondents favor fresh fruits (81 percent), while those with a sweet tooth often choose pancakes (52 percent), croissants, toast, cheese, sausage, hash browns, yogurt, or salad.

The World of Beverages: Coffee or Smoothie?

Coffee is the most popular breakfast drink, enjoyed by 69 percent of respondents, followed by juice (66 percent), tea (43 percent), water (40 percent), and smoothies (24 percent). Health experts, however, advise starting the day with water, which can increase alertness by 25 percent on its own. Coffee should ideally be consumed 30-60 minutes after waking to avoid a mid-morning energy slump. Smoothies are truly healthy when made from simple and low-sugar ingredients.

Breakfast and Brain Function

Scientifically, breakfast has a significant impact on brain performance and mood. Regular breakfast eating can improve concentration by up to 30 percent. For children, it leads to better school performance, while for adults, it enhances work efficiency. Skipping breakfast can lead to more frequent snacking, blood sugar fluctuations, and decision-making difficulties.

Intermittent fasting might work for some, but it's not universally applicable. For women, a personalized diet is especially important, as regular fasting can increase stress hormones and disrupt hormonal balance.

Hotel Breakfasts: An Experience and Ritual

About 33 percent of respondents say the best place for breakfast is in hotels, followed by their own homes (32 percent) and cafés and restaurants (17 percent). A striking 98 percent say they always have breakfast when staying at a hotel.

Hotel breakfasts are not just meals; they are experiences. A lavish buffet breakfast is so appealing to most guests that even after a late-night arrival, they are willing to wake up early just for it. Most people appear in relaxed, comfortable clothing (81 percent), and 8 percent even venture down in pajamas, highlighting the informal atmosphere.

Why Is This Meal So Important in the UAE?

The answer is simple: breakfast is not just about nutrient intake, it's a lifestyle, a community experience, and a form of self-care. A well-composed breakfast sets the energy level, promotes well-being, and is often the only meal truly enjoyed in calm without rushing—especially in a hotel setting.

The preferences of the UAE's population show that the approach to breakfast is no longer just a health issue but a lifestyle choice. The variety is rich, the options diverse, and the demand clear: finding a balance between nourishing, healthy options and enjoyment.

Summary

The importance of breakfast in the United Arab Emirates is not just a personal decision, but a collective need and cultural trend. Egg dishes, fresh fruits, pancakes, coffee, and smoothies are all part of the local gastronomic breakfast palette. Whether at home or in a hotel dining room, breakfast is the moment to start the day—both in body and soul. In Dubai and across the country, this meal increasingly reflects the more conscious lifestyle of new generations while preserving the experience of comfort and indulgence.

(This article is based on a survey by Premier Inn Middle East.)