How Late Is the Closest Grocery Store Open in UAE?

Late-night grocery shopping in the UAE is more common than many people expect—but finding accurate opening and closing times can still be confusing. Whether you work night shifts, study late, travel frequently, or simply need essentials after midnight, knowing how late the closest grocery store is open can save time, stress, and unnecessary travel.

This guide provides the most complete, location-based, and up-to-date overview of grocery store hours across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates, including 24-hour supermarkets, late-night options, and practical tips locals actually use.

Grocery Store Hours in the UAE: Quick Overview

In the UAE, grocery store operating hours vary based on store type, location, emirate regulations, and demand patterns.

Most grocery stores in the UAE close between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. However, many supermarkets and hypermarkets operate 24 hours a day, especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Typical Store Categories & Timings

• Neighborhood supermarkets: 8:00 AM – 10:00/11:00 PM
• Large supermarkets & hypermarkets: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM
• 24-hour supermarkets: Open all day, every day
• Convenience stores: Often 24/7 in residential areas

Why Grocery Store Hours Differ in the UAE

Understanding why hours vary helps users make better decisions.

Key Factors Affecting Closing Times

• Emirate-level retail regulations
• Residential vs commercial areas
• Tourist density
• Ramadan & public holidays
• Mall-based vs standalone stores

For example, grocery stores near Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, JBR, Business Bay, and tourist zones tend to stay open later than suburban outlets.

Step-by-Step: How to Find the Closest Grocery Store Open Late

Step 1: Use Google Maps (Most Reliable)

Search:

“24 hour supermarket near me”
or
“grocery store open now”

Google Maps often shows real-time hours, including holiday changes.

Step 2: Check Official Store Apps

Major chains like:

• Carrefour
• Lulu Hypermarket
• Spinneys
• Choithrams
• Al Maya

…update hours more accurately inside their apps than on third-party listings.

Step 3: Call the Branch Directly

Many UAE grocery chains operate branch-specific timings, even within the same brand.

24-Hour Grocery Stores in UAE (By Emirate)

Dubai – 24/7 Supermarkets

Dubai has the highest concentration of late-night grocery stores.

Notable 24-hour options include:

• Al Maya Supermarket (Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina)
• Carrefour Market (selected locations)
• Choithrams (Al Rais, select branches)
• Grandiose Supermarket (Downtown Dubai)
• Géant Express (Dubai Hills Mall, select locations)
• Beach City Supermarket (Dubai Marina)
• FM Supermarket (Al Jaddaf)
• New Delma Supermarket (Sheikh Zayed Road)

Areas with best late-night availability:
Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, JBR

Abu Dhabi – 24-Hour Supermarkets

Abu Dhabi also offers strong late-night grocery access.

Popular 24-hour stores:

• Abela Supermarket (Mussafah)
• Al Safa Supermarket (Al Danah)
• Choithrams Khalidiya
• Al Madina Hypermarket
• Earth Supermarket (Tourist Club Area)
• Al Maya Supermarket
• Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society (Electra Branch – night hours)

Sharjah – Grocery Stores Open Late or 24 Hours

Sharjah has extensive 24-hour grocery coverage in residential zones.

Key stores:

• Spinneys (Al Majaz)
• Jesco Supermarket
• Manila Supermarket
• Delhi Supermarket
• Royal Supermarket
• Naseem Al Zuhoor Supermarket
• Abraj Al Nahda Center
• Al Sadaa Supermarket

Ras Al Khaimah – 24-Hour Grocery Stores

While fewer in number, RAK still offers reliable 24-hour options.

Common choices:

• Al Qanas Supermarket
• Gulf Hypermarket
• Al Bayan Supermarket
• Quality Supermarket
• ABC Supermarket
• Al Khaimah Supermarket
• Hurmuz Supermarket
• Al Hawas Supermarket

Common Problems People Face (And Real Solutions)

Problem 1: Store Listed as 24 Hours but Closed

Solution: Always verify via Google Maps and recent reviews.

Problem 2: Ramadan Timing Confusion

Solution: Expect short closures before Iftar and extended hours late at night.

Problem 3: Mall Grocery Stores Close Early

Solution: Prefer standalone supermarkets instead of mall-based outlets.

Expert Tips for Late-Night Grocery Shopping in UAE

• Residential neighborhoods offer more reliable 24-hour access than malls
• Tourist districts stay open later year-round
• Smaller supermarkets often outperform hypermarkets at night
• Delivery apps (Talabat, Careem, Noon) show real-time availability
• Friday timings may differ slightly in Sharjah

Key Benefits of Knowing Late-Night Grocery Options

• Saves time and fuel
• Reduces emergency stress
• Supports night-shift workers and travelers
• Improves daily planning
• Avoids unnecessary trips to closed stores

FAQs

How late are grocery stores open in the UAE?
Most close by 11 PM, but many operate 24 hours, especially in major cities.

Are there 24-hour supermarkets in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai has dozens of 24-hour supermarkets across key residential areas.

Do grocery stores stay open during Ramadan?
Yes, but hours may shift, with late-night extensions after Iftar.

Is Carrefour open 24 hours in UAE?
Some Carrefour Market branches operate 24/7, but not all locations.

Which emirate has the most late-night grocery stores?
Dubai, followed closely by Abu Dhabi.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how late the closest grocery store is open in the UAE, the short answer is: later than most countries, and often 24 hours—if you know where to look.

From Dubai Marina to Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah and Sharjah’s Al Majaz, the UAE offers exceptional late-night grocery access. By using location-aware searches, understanding store types, and knowing which areas operate round-the-clock, you can always find groceries—no matter the hour.