Time difference between London and Dubai
London is 4 hours behind Dubai for most of the year, but 3 hours in July.
Live time in London and Dubai
Dubai
--:--
GMT+4
Why is the time different?
London and Dubai are in different time zones. The Earth turns, so the Sun reaches one place before the other. Dubai sees each new day first.In January London is on GMT and Dubai is on GMT+4. In July they are on GMT+1 and GMT+4.
- In 2026, the clocks in London go forward on March 29 and back on October 25.
- Dubai does not change its clocks, so it uses GMT+4 all year.
- From March 29 to October 24 (210 days) London is 3 hours behind Dubai.
These dates are for 2026. The pattern repeats every year, but the exact days move.
A school day in London and Dubai
What are children doing in the other city? (We use 8:30 am to 3 pm for school, and January clocks.)
- When school starts in London (8:30 am), it is 12:30 pm in Dubai, and children there are at school.
- When school ends in London (3 pm), it is 7 pm in Dubai, and children there are having dinner with their family.
- When children go to bed in London (8 pm), it is 12 am the next day in Dubai, and children there are fast asleep.
- When school finishes in Dubai (3 pm), it is 11 am in London, and children there are at school.
The two school days overlap for about 2.5 hours. For the rest of the day, one class is in lessons while the other is not.
Fun fact: children in London are fast asleep when school starts in Dubai!
The same moment, hour by hour
Each box is one hour on London's clock. The top row shows London. The bottom row shows what is happening in Dubai at that very same time.
Best time to call
- In January: both cities are at work from 9 am to 1 pm in London (1 pm to 5 pm in Dubai).
- In July: both cities are at work from 9 am to 2 pm in London (12 pm to 5 pm in Dubai).
Today, hour by hour (green = working hours for both, amber = fine for a call):
| London | Dubai | Call? |
|---|
London time to Dubai time
| London | Dubai (January) | Dubai (July) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 am | 10 am | 9 am |
| 9 am | 1 pm | 12 pm |
| 12 pm | 4 pm | 3 pm |
| 3 pm | 7 pm | 6 pm |
| 6 pm | 10 pm | 9 pm |
| 9 pm | 1 am (next day) | 12 am (next day) |
Quick quiz: London and Dubai
1 / 2More time comparisons
Questions about London and Dubai time
What is the time difference between London and Dubai?
In January, London is 4 hours behind Dubai. In July, London is 3 hours behind Dubai. The gap also changes for a few weeks each year because the two places change their clocks on different dates.
Is London ahead of or behind Dubai?
London is behind Dubai in January. Ahead means its clocks show a later time.
What time is it in Dubai when it is 12 noon in London?
In January it is 4 pm in Dubai. In July it is 3 pm.
Are children at school at the same time in London and Dubai?
The two school days overlap for about 2.5 hours. For the rest of the day, one class is in lessons while the other is not. When school ends in London (3 pm), it is 7 pm in Dubai, and children there are having dinner with their family. Fun fact: children in London are fast asleep when school starts in Dubai!
What is the best time to call between London and Dubai?
In January: both cities are at work from 9 am to 1 pm in London (1 pm to 5 pm in Dubai). In July: both cities are at work from 9 am to 2 pm in London (12 pm to 5 pm in Dubai).
Does the time difference between London and Dubai change?
Yes. From March 29 to October 24 (210 days) London is 3 hours behind Dubai.