To assess the prevalence and identify sociodemographic predictors of regular fast-food consumption (R-FFC) among UAE adults to inform public health nutrition responses to growing diet-related ill-health in the region.

A descriptive cross-sectional study using purposive, convenience sampling. Data was collected using an online survey adapted from two validated surveys and distributed via social media platforms. R-FFC was defined as visiting a fast-food restaurant to eat ≥2 times/week. Pearson chi-squared tests and multiple binary logistic regression models were used to investigate prevalence and predictors of R-FFC. All statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05.

Community, adults living in the UAE.

UAE residents, ≥18 years, who consumed fast-food ≥once during the previous month.

320 respondents met the inclusion criteria (age [mean± SD] = 23.7± 7.7 years). The prevalence of R-FFC was 46.6%. Based on results from the regression model, predictors of R-FFC were (AOR; 95% CI) being female (2.47; 1.06- 5.79), married (3.11; 1.25-7.77), BMI ≥25.0 (2.09; 1.10-4.00) and residing outside Abu Dhabi (32.79; 12.06-89.16). None of the remaining variables reached statistical significance. Taste was the most common reason for FFC (56.9%), followed by convenience (21.6%). Regular fast food consumers were more likely to “super-size” meals (p=0.011), eat alone (p=0.009), and not have regular meal patterns (p=0.004).

The study revealed a high prevalence of R-FFC among UAE adults, and novel cultural predictors and characteristics of FFC in this context, highlighting the importance of socially and culturally informed research and public health strategies in this region.