Dubai Time Zone: The Complete Guide
Your complete guide to time in the UAE's global hub
Planning a call with colleagues in Dubai, tracking the DFM market opening, or wondering if that mall will still be open at 11 PM? Understanding Dubai's time zone — and its unique weekend — is essential.
Dubai runs on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4 year-round. Like most of the Middle East, the UAE does not observe daylight saving time, keeping time calculations consistent throughout the year.
But the real surprise for visitors? The UAE weekend is Friday-Saturday, not Saturday-Sunday. This shifted from the traditional Friday-only weekend in 2022 to better align with global markets.
⚡ Quick Facts: Dubai Time Zone
Time Zone Basics
- • Time Zone: GST (UTC+4)
- • Daylight Saving: Not observed
- • Weekend: Friday-Saturday
- • Same as: Oman, Mauritius
Key Time Differences
- • New York: +9 hours
- • London: +4 hours
- • Mumbai: -1.5 hours
- • Singapore: -4 hours
Need exact conversions? Try our Time Converter
Explore the Complete Guide
Business Hours
Shops, banks, malls, and the Friday-Saturday weekend
Best Time to Visit
Weather, Ramadan, events, and avoiding summer heat
Remote Work Guide
Working with Dubai teams across time zones
24 Hours in Dubai
The city's daily rhythm from dawn prayers to late nights
Best Time to Call
Optimal calling times from major cities worldwide
Stock Market Hours
DFM & ADX trading times for global investors
UAE Holidays
Ramadan, Eid, National Day, and what to expect
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking, remote work visa, and cost of living
Time Difference
Dubai time compared to NYC, London, Mumbai
Travel Planning
Flight times, visa tips, and airport advice
Understanding Dubai Time
The Friday-Saturday Weekend
Until 2022, the UAE had a Friday-only weekend (with some organizations taking Thursday afternoon off). The shift to Friday-Saturday was designed to improve work-life balance and better align with global financial markets. Sunday is now a full working day.
Strategic Time Zone Position
Dubai's UTC+4 position makes it a global business hub. Morning meetings catch the end of the Asian business day (Tokyo, Singapore), while afternoon meetings overlap with European markets. Late afternoon can even catch early morning US East Coast.
Dubai Morning (9 AM GST)
- • New York: 12 AM midnight (prev day)
- • London: 5 AM
- • Mumbai: 10:30 AM
- • Singapore: 1 PM
Dubai Evening (6 PM GST)
- • New York: 9 AM
- • London: 2 PM
- • Mumbai: 7:30 PM
- • Singapore: 10 PM
Dubai Time vs Major Cities
| City | Difference | When it's 12 PM in Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 New York | -9 hours | 3:00 AM |
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles | -12 hours | 12:00 AM midnight |
| 🇬🇧 London | -4 hours | 8:00 AM |
| 🇫🇷 Paris | -3 hours | 9:00 AM |
| 🇮🇳 Mumbai | +1.5 hours | 1:30 PM |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | +4 hours | 4:00 PM |
| 🇯🇵 Tokyo | +5 hours | 5:00 PM |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney | +7 hours | 7:00 PM |
* Sydney difference varies due to Australian DST. See detailed time differences →
Practical Tips for Dealing with Dubai Time
🌍 For International Business
Dubai excels as a meeting point between East and West. Schedule 10 AM-12 PM Dubai for Asia overlap, or 3-6 PM Dubai for European/early US overlap. The Friday-Saturday weekend means Thursday is often a shorter day.
🕌 During Ramadan
Business hours shift during Ramadan. Many offices work reduced hours (typically 9 AM - 2 PM). Restaurants don't serve during daylight hours (takeaway available). Evening hours after Iftar (sunset) become very active.
☀️ Summer Heat Consideration
Summer (June-August) sees 40°C+ temperatures. Outdoor activities shift to early morning or evening. Malls and indoor attractions are busiest during afternoon heat. Many expats leave for summer holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weekend in Dubai?
Friday and Saturday. This changed in January 2022 from the previous Friday-only weekend. Sunday through Thursday are working days.
Does Dubai have daylight saving time?
No. The UAE stays on GST (UTC+4) year-round. This means the time difference with Europe changes when they adjust clocks, not when Dubai does.
What's the time difference between Dubai and New York?
Dubai is 9 hours ahead of New York (EST). When it's noon in Dubai, it's 3 AM in New York. During US daylight saving time, the difference is 8 hours.
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Last updated: December 2024.