Ray, which operates across more than 300 venues nationwide, found that demand peaks sharply in the evening, with 44% of all rentals initiated between 6 p.m. and midnight. Restaurants and cafés account for 60% of rentals across its network, a pattern the company links directly to the UAE’s long dining culture, where guests typically stay two to four hours and often arrive with phones already depleted from a full day of use.

“Every time a customer’s phone dies at dinner, there is a real risk they will leave early,”

said Igor Kosolap, CEO and co-founder of Ray.

“Our data shows peak rental demand hits between 9 p.m. and midnight, exactly when UAE restaurants generate their highest revenue per cover.”

Fridays and Saturdays account for 47% of all rentals, though demand stays consistent across the working week. Summer temperatures, which push social activity into later hours, further amplify the evening-heavy pattern.

Gyms tell a different story. Fitness venues record their highest demand between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., driven by pre-work visits. Women’s zones show notably higher rental volumes than men’s zones, with Ray’s UAEJJ locations recording roughly twice the activity in female sections.

Hospitals, gaming clubs and neighbourhood restaurants have maintained stable demand in recent months, even as tourist-facing venues have softened alongside a dip in international visitor flows.

Over 90% of rentals are completed via tap-to-pay, with no app required. Ray is targeting 2,000 active stations across the UAE by end of 2026.

News Source: PR Hub