A recent global report has shown that residents of the United Arab Emirates experience some of the highest sleep quality levels in the world. The average sleep efficiency—which measures the actual time spent asleep while in bed—reached 85.7%, even though the average sleep duration is only about 6.85 hours per night.
The study, conducted by smart ring company Ōura, identified several distinctive characteristics of sleep patterns in the UAE. The country is among the world’s most diverse in terms of sleep and wake times, with an average bedtime of 12:06 a.m. and wake-up time of 7:57 a.m. This pattern is not considered problematic; instead, it reflects a society with a significant proportion of “night owls.” The UAE has the highest global percentage of late chronotypes at 6.67%, compared to a worldwide average of 3%. While such patterns are often linked to “circadian rhythm disruption”—where sleep and wake times deviate from conventional biological clocks—the report suggests that delayed sleep patterns in the UAE are in harmony with the body’s natural biology rather than conflicting with it.
Sleep Quality in the UAE Among the World’s Best
Although the average nightly sleep duration in the UAE is 6.85 hours—slightly below the global average of 7.1 hours—sleep quality remains among the highest globally. While residents of countries like Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom may sleep longer, they do not consistently achieve the same levels of sleep quality as the UAE. Even when compared with Japan, which is known for short sleep durations, the UAE outperforms in quality indicators, including REM sleep, deep sleep, overall sleep quality, and even sleep duration itself—highlighting a unique national sleep profile.
Women Lead the Way
The report’s findings in the UAE also reveal clear gender differences in sleep patterns. Women sleep an average of 7.07 hours per night, compared to 6.59 hours for men—a difference of nearly half an hour. Women also demonstrate higher sleep efficiency and more consistent REM sleep patterns. These indicators align with global sleep research, which often shows that women exhibit more stable recovery and restoration behaviors, indicating growing awareness among women in the region about the importance of health and sleep quality.
In this context, Doug Sweeney, Chief Marketing Officer at Ōura, stated: “Sleep quality is one of the most important long-term health indicators, and the UAE stands out as a compelling model for maintaining this quality despite life challenges that may affect sleep duration. In a society where nights are long and productivity is a deeply rooted cultural value, we see individuals aligning with their natural biological rhythms rather than resisting them. By understanding and respecting individual chronotypes—whether someone is more active in the morning, late in the day, or in between—UAE residents are able to balance rest and activity to achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. As Ōura continues to expand in the region, we are committed to providing data-driven scientific insights that help individuals better understand their bodies and identify small but impactful changes that make a real difference in sleep quality and overall health.”
It is worth noting that Ōura has officially launched the fourth generation of its smart rings in the UAE, including the Oura Ring 4 and the Oura Ring Ceramic, according to Xpats.ae.
