In the UAE, the modern dining experience is increasingly defined by a desperate search for power outlets, as residents frequently find their phone batteries dying during prime evening hours. Research from the power bank-sharing platform Ray reveals that demand for portable chargers surges between 9pm and midnight, a window that coincides with the busiest time for local restaurants and lounges. With nearly 60 percent of all rentals occurring in hospitality venues, it is clear that social outings are often hampered by depleted devices. CEO Igor Kosolap notes that this trend presents a genuine challenge for businesses, as customers who lose power are more likely to cut their evening short, potentially impacting the bottom line of the country’s top dining spots.

Several factors drive this behavior, including a high daily screen-time average and the tendency for social life to shift toward the cooler late-night hours. Beyond the dining scene, the data highlights unique usage patterns, such as a morning spike at gyms—where women lead rental volume—and steady demand at hospitals. Interestingly, even tech-heavy gaming lounges see high rental rates, as users prefer the convenience of portable charging over stationary terminals. With the convenience of tap-to-pay systems, Ray has seen rapid adoption and is now looking to scale its network significantly, aiming to install 2,000 charging stations across the nation by the end of the year to ensure that the UAE stays powered up.