A new study by Galaxy has found that 84% of women surveyed in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt want more uninterrupted time for themselves. The findings highlight that personal time is not simply about having a few free minutes, but being able to enjoy them without distractions.
The Galaxy Time Global Report surveyed 8,000 consumers across six markets to understand how women spend their personal time and what prevents them from enjoying it. In the Middle East, the findings are based on 3,000 female respondents.
Egypt recorded the highest demand for uninterrupted me-time, at 91%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 82% and the UAE at 79%. Across the three markets, 93% of women said personal time feels truly meaningful and indulgent only when it is undisturbed.
Small Rituals Make a Difference
The research found that many women value simple, sensory experiences during their personal time. These include enjoying a cup of coffee, following a skincare routine, taking a long bath and adding fragrance to the home.
Between 60% and 66% of women surveyed said they enjoy savouring coffee, while interest in skincare rituals ranged from 45% to 54%, with the UAE recording the highest figure. In Saudi Arabia, four in ten women identified scenting their homes as a valued ritual, the highest proportion among the three markets.
Although these activities may take only a few minutes, the research suggests their value depends on being able to enjoy them without interruption.
In the UAE, 74% of women said they get less personal time than they would like, while 79% wanted more uninterrupted time. A further 93% said me-time feels indulgent only when it is undisturbed.
The Cost of Constant Interruptions
Interruptions can take a significant amount of time away from personal routines. Among women who reported having me-time, the average interruption lasts between 24 and 32 minutes.
Women in Egypt reported an average of 5.5 interruptions per day. The disruptions also have an emotional impact, with 48% of women in Egypt and 47% in Saudi Arabia saying they feel upset when their personal time is interrupted.
Dr Saliha Afridi, PsyD, said uninterrupted self-care is important for psychological restoration. She noted that women are increasingly comfortable with taking time for themselves, but want others to respect the boundaries they have established.
Everyday Distractions Top the List
One of the most frustrating interruptions identified in the study was being asked a question that someone could easily have answered themselves. This was reported by 41% of women in the UAE, 37% in Saudi Arabia and 36% in Egypt.
Workplace interruptions were particularly prominent in the UAE. Women there were more likely than the average female respondent across all six markets to report interruptions from colleagues, at 21% compared with 14%, and from managers, at 16% compared with 9%.
Everyday interruptions were the most frequently cited barrier to personal time in Egypt, reported by 30% of women, followed by family commitments at 28%. In Saudi Arabia, both factors were reported by 27% of respondents.
Preparing to go out can also create tension. Across the three markets, 40% to 44% of women identified time management as the main source of stress. An unequal share of preparation was cited by 30% to 36%, while communication breakdowns were reported by 27% to 33%.
Women Want Their Personal Time Respected
The findings challenge the idea that guilt is the main reason women struggle to make time for themselves. Only 6% of women in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and 9% in the UAE identified guilt as their greatest barrier, compared with 12% of female respondents across all six markets.
Instead, practical disruptions such as doorbells, group chats, work messages and unnecessary questions appear to be more immediate obstacles.
Dalia Salib, Chief Marketing Officer at Mars MEA, said the research highlights the importance of protecting personal time as demands on women’s schedules continue to increase.
She added that women are not asking for permission to enjoy time for themselves, but for the people around them to respect that time and allow them to unwind without interruption.
The survey also found that 80% of women in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and 78% in the UAE, had wished they could tune out the surrounding noise and protect their peace.
Making Me-Time More Meaningful
The research points to simple ways to make personal time more restorative, including respecting boundaries, postponing non-urgent questions and allowing everyday rituals to remain uninterrupted.
Galaxy is using the findings to encourage women to take a short break from their daily responsibilities and focus on themselves. Through its smooth, creamy chocolate, the brand aims to associate small moments of indulgence with relaxation and personal enjoyment.
The findings suggest that meaningful me-time does not necessarily require more hours in the day. Sometimes, the difference lies in having a few uninterrupted minutes to enjoy.
