24 Hours in Dubai
The city's daily rhythm from Fajr to late night
⚡ Quick Answer
Dubai IS a 24-hour city — many supermarkets, cafeterias, and services run around the clock. Life revolves around avoiding daytime heat (especially summer) and thefive daily prayer times. Malls stay open until 10 PM-midnight. The city truly comes alive after sunset.
🕐 Hour by Hour
Dawn & Fajr
First prayer call (Fajr). Sunrise around 5:30-6:30 AM depending on season. Early beach walkers, construction crews start.
Morning rush
Traffic builds on Sheikh Zayed Road. Schools start 7:30-8 AM. Best time for outdoor activities before heat builds.
Business morning
Offices in full swing. DFM stock market opens at 10 AM. Temperature climbing — stay indoors or in AC.
Dhuhr prayer
Midday prayer. Some shops close briefly. Lunch break begins. Peak heat outside (40°C+ in summer).
Afternoon heat
Hottest part of day. Mall time! AC is king. Outdoor workers take extended breaks. Siesta culture for some.
Evening begins
Asr prayer. Temperature easing. Beach clubs fill up. Rush hour traffic starts. Stock market closed.
Golden hour
Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Perfect weather for outdoor dining, beach walks. Families head to malls.
Dinner peak
Restaurants busiest. Dubai Marina and Downtown come alive. Fountains show at Dubai Mall. Pleasant outdoor temps.
Night life
Clubs and bars peak. Malls still open. Shisha cafes buzzing. Late dining culture. Isha prayer around 8-9 PM.
Late night
Clubs going strong. 24-hour cafeterias busy. Food delivery boom. Cooler temps finally!
Quiet hours
Most venues closing. 24-hour supermarkets, some restaurants. Construction night shifts. Pre-dawn calm before Fajr.
🕌 Prayer Times Shape the Day
Five daily prayers (times shift with sunrise/sunset):
Some shops may close briefly during prayer. The call to prayer (Adhan) is broadcast from mosques and in malls.
🌡️ Summer vs Winter Schedule
☀️ Summer (Jun-Sep)
- • Outdoor activities: Before 8 AM or after 7 PM only
- • Daytime: Malls, indoor attractions
- • Beach: Early morning or sunset
- • City feels quiet midday — everyone's in AC
❄️ Winter (Nov-Mar)
- • Perfect outdoor weather all day
- • Beach clubs, brunch culture peak
- • Outdoor dining, desert safaris
- • Tourist high season — book ahead!
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Last updated: December 2024.