What is the difference between AST and GST?
AST is 1 hour behind GST, which is used in the United Arab Emirates.
UTC time
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AST-Arabia
Arabia Standard Time
27 Nov 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this area observe DST?
No, it remains on standard hours year-round.
Which major cities follow this pattern?
Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca follow this schedule.
What areas share the same hours?
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar follow the same schedule.
How does this compare with UTC or GST?
AST is 3 hours ahead of UTC and 1 hour behind GST.
Why doesn't this area observe DST?
This region does not observe daylight saving time to maintain a consistent daily routine throughout the year.
How did this system get established?
AST was adopted in Saudi Arabia in 1968 and is used by other Gulf countries for consistency and convenience.
What are the typical work hours here?
Business hours generally run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though government offices may operate from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
What is the economic importance of this area?
The region is a global leader in oil production and export, with significant influence in energy markets and regional trade.