UAE breakfast habits revealed: 91pc call it the most important meal
Premier Inn offers free breakfast to mark the Better Breakfast Day in Abu Dhabi and Doha
DUBAI – Ahead of Better Breakfast Day, Premier Inn Middle East has revealed new insights into the UAE’s breakfast routines.
According to the survey, more than 90% of residents regard breakfast as the most important meal of the day, with 76% eating it daily. Eggs (88%) top the nation’s favourite breakfast list, fresh fruit (81%) is the most popular healthy choice, and pancakes (52%) take the crown for the leading indulgent treat.
The research also highlights that hotels are the most popular breakfast spot (33%), with 98% having breakfast when staying at a hotel. Buffets remain a firm favourite at 71%. The main benefit residents associate with breakfast is the energy boost it provides to start the day (85%).
Simon Leigh, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East, said: “A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast go hand in hand at Premier Inn. These survey insights give us a better understanding of how our guests like to start their day. At Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen, our unlimited breakfast features everything from British classics to lighter, healthier dishes and international options. Guest favourites such as a full English breakfast, pancakes, fresh fruit, croissants, and yoghurt are served in a welcoming space that supports wellbeing and fuels guests for whatever the day holds.”
Breakfast habits
The survey confirms that 91% of respondents place breakfast at the top of their daily meals. Three in four (76%) eat breakfast every day, while 18% enjoy it at least once a week. Only 2% of respondents said they never eat breakfast. The most common reasons for skipping breakfast include lack of time (31%), not feeling hungry (31%), and a preference for eating later in the day (15%).
Mitun De Sarkar, Clinical Dietician, explained: “It’s great to see so many people value breakfast – and science backs it up. Breakfast activates the brain’s memory centre and helps stabilise blood sugar, mood and decision-making, making it less likely you’ll over-snack later. Regular breakfast eaters have up to 30% better concentration, with children scoring higher on tests and adults reporting sharper focus at work.”
She added: “Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, often leads to stronger cravings later in the day. 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.”
Nearly half of respondents (47%) eat breakfast between 8–10am, with 43% between 6–8am. De Sarkar noted: “Eating between 6–10am suits the body’s natural clock. Cortisol, your wake-up hormone, is higher in the morning, so pairing protein with whole grains helps balance energy. Aim for breakfast within 2–3 hours of waking – sooner if active.”
What’s on the plate?
The top 10 favourite breakfast items for UAE residents are eggs (88%), fresh fruit (80%), croissants (67%), toast (65%), pancakes (60%), cheese (59%), sausages (55%), hash browns (54%), yoghurt (54%), and salad (53%).
Most residents prefer an omelette (36%) as their egg dish of choice, followed by fried eggs sunny side up (19%) and scrambled eggs (18%). De Sarkar said: “Omelettes are number one for good reason – they’re nutritious and wholesome. Add mushrooms, spinach or tomatoes for a fibre boost. Boiled or poached eggs have half the calories of fried eggs, which are fine as a treat when paired with greens or wholegrain toast.”
Healthier options are important for 97% of respondents, with fresh fruit (81%), salad (54%) and avocado (52%) as the most popular picks. For indulgence, pancakes (52%) lead the list, followed by sweet pastries (48%) and fried items such as sausages and bacon (47%). De Sarkar explained: “The 80/20 rule works well – 80% nourishing foods, 20% indulgence. One perfect croissant savoured slowly beats three grabbed on the run. It’s about quality, not quantity.”
Beverage preferences are equally telling: coffee (69%) is the most popular breakfast drink, followed by fruit juice (66%), tea (43%), water (40%), and smoothies (24%). De Sarkar advises: “Always start with water before coffee – it hydrates and can boost alertness by up to 25%. Coffee is best enjoyed 30–60 minutes after waking, when cortisol levels dip and caffeine works more effectively.”
Global flavours
Survey results reveal residents’ appetite for international flavours: 32% opt for Asian breakfasts, 27% for Arabic, and 26% for Indian. Dosa (70%) and idli (55%) rank highly among Indian favourites, while paratha (58%) is most often paired with yoghurt or eggs. Asian staples such as rice (66%) and noodles (41%) remain popular, while hummus (70%), foul (62%) and falafel (66%) are leading regional picks.
De Sarkar commented: “The UAE reflects a rich cultural mix. People aren’t just sticking to traditional staples – they’re exploring global flavours that add variety and nutritional diversity.”
Breakfast benefits and trends
Surveyed residents said breakfast boosts energy (85%), improves concentration and performance (64%), and provides essential nutrients (50%). Research indicates breakfast can improve focus and performance by up to 20%, reduce snacking, and support healthy weight management.
Emerging breakfast trends include superfoods such as chia, flax and berries (25%), international flavours (24%), and locally sourced or organic ingredients (22%). De Sarkar observed: “Superfoods and global flavours may top the charts, but the real trend is health itself – wellness is now a must-have at breakfast.”
Breakfast settings
Hotels emerged as the top breakfast venue (33%), followed by home (32%) and cafés/restaurants (17%). Nearly all respondents (98%) reported having breakfast when staying in a hotel, with 71% preferring buffets over à la carte (24%) or grab-and-go options (3%).
De Sarkar remarked: “Hotel breakfasts are almost a ritual – even after a late night, many set the alarm just to make it. Some even show up in pyjamas or bathrobes, proving hotel breakfasts are a relaxed space where the focus is simply enjoying the first meal of the day.”
Better breakfast tips
De Sarkar shared her top ten breakfast strategies:
- Eat protein in the morning – eggs, yoghurt or beans are best absorbed.
- Add berries for antioxidants that boost memory and skin health.
- Choose multigrain or sourdough bread over white toast for steady energy.
- Drink water before coffee to boost alertness by 25%.
- Portion pastries wisely – one croissant can equal the calories of two boiled eggs.
- At buffets, start with fruit, then protein, carbs and finish with sweets.
- Include avocado and nuts for steady sugar and hormone balance.
- Match breakfast to your day – hearty for active mornings, light for desk days.
- Beware of high-sugar cereals – make homemade granola instead.
- Avoid skipping breakfast, especially during (peri)menopause, to keep stress hormones balanced.
Free breakfast offer
To mark Better Breakfast Day, Premier Inn is offering free breakfast at Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen and Nuevo. Guests booking three nights or more in Dubai, or four nights or more in Abu Dhabi or Doha on 26–27 September, can enjoy complimentary breakfast during their stay, valid until 15 February 2026.
The offer applies to direct bookings at premierinn.ae or via +971 600 500 503, subject to availability and terms and conditions.