Nine out of 10 UAE residents consider breakfast the most important meal to kick-start their day, with eggs as their favorite breakfast dish; fresh fruits as the most popular healthy choice, and pancakes as the top choice for a morning treat.
These findings came from a survey conducted recently by Premier Inn Middle East to gain insights into the UAE’s breakfast routines. The survey revealed breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day by 91 percent of respondents. Three in four, or 76 percent, eat it daily, while 18 percent have it at least once a week; and just 2 percent never eat breakfast.
The main reasons for skipping breakfast are lack of time (31 percent), not feeling hungry (31 percent), or preferring to eat later in the day (15 percent).
Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) eat breakfast between 8 and 10am, while 43 percent take their breakfast between 6 and 8am. This is quite positive, noted Mitun De Sarkar, a clinical dietician.
“Eating between 6 and 10am suits the body’s natural clock,” said De Sarkar, explaining: “Cortisol — the body’s wake-up/stress hormone — is higher in the morning, so pairing protein with whole grains helps balance energy. Aim for breakfast within 2 to 3 hours of waking — sooner if active. The key is to eat when you’re slightly hungry, not starving.”
There is science in having breakfast, noted De Sarkar. “Breakfast activates the brain’s memory center, and helps stabilize blood sugar, mood, and decision-making, making it less likely you’ll over-snack later.
“Regular breakfast eaters have up to 30 percent better concentration, with children scoring higher on tests and adults reporting sharper focus at work. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, often leads to stronger cravings later in the day,” she added.
“Intermittent fasting works for some, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For women especially, regular fasting may raise stress hormones and disrupt cycles, so it should be tailored, not followed blindly. My tip: even a quick 5-minute hack like Greek yogurt with seeds and berries can reset your metabolism and kick-start your day,” De Sarkar continued.
As for breakfast favorites, 88 percent of the respondents said eggs are their favorite breakfast dish — and they prefer them made into omelettes (36 percent); fried sunny side up (19 percent); scrambled (18 percent) or boiled (12 percent).
Eight out of 10 or 81 percent of respondents also said fresh fruits are their most popular healthy pick, and pancakes (52 percent) are the top choice for a morning treat. They also love croissants, toast, cheese, sausages, hash browns, yogurt, and salad on their plate.
De Sarkar noted: “Residents love balance. Eggs and fresh fruit dominate, showing demand for protein and produce, while pastries and pancakes highlight that indulgence is part of the breakfast ritual. People want variety – a mix of healthy and indulgent – reflecting a global trend toward flexible eating.”
“Omelettes are number one for a good reason — they are nutritious and wholesome. Add mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for a fiber boost. Boiled or poached eggs have half the calories of fried eggs, which are fine as a treat when paired with greens or whole grain toast,” she added.
Meanwhile, the most popular breakfast drinks are coffee (69 percent), fruit juice (66 percent), tea (43 percent), water (40 percent), and smoothies (24 percent).
De Sarkar recommends always starting with water before coffee as it hydrates and can boost alertness up to 25 percent. “Coffee is best 30-60 minutes after waking, when cortisol drops and caffeine works better — without the mid-morning crash. Tea provides antioxidants, which support overall health. Whole fruit beats juice for its fiber, while smoothies are best simple and low in sugar.”
Eighty-five percent of the survey respondents noted the main benefit of breakfast is the energy boost it provides to start their day. Simon Leigh, managing director of Premier Inn Middle East, said, “A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast go hand in hand. These survey insights give us a better understanding of how our guests like to start their day.”
Respondents also said hotels are their most popular breakfast spot (33 percent), followed by home (32 percent), and cafés/restaurants (17 percent). Breakfast buffets are a UAE favorite, with no less than 98 percent having breakfast when staying at a hotel. Most respondents wear casual clothes to breakfast (81 percent), with 8 percent in pajamas/loungewear and only 3 percent in business attire.
De Sarkar noted, “Hotel breakfasts are almost a ritual — even after a late night, many set the alarm just to make it. After a hearty spread, I’m happy to skip lunch! It’s comfort, indulgence, and convenience all in one. Some even show up in pajamas or bathrobes, proving hotel breakfasts are a safe, relaxed space where the focus is simply enjoying the first meal of the day.”
