Forex market hours in GST — and the hours that matter
All four sessions converted to Gulf Standard Time, plus the overlap that actually matters.
| Session | GSTGulf Standard Time | UTC |
|---|---|---|
| SydneyThin liquidity, AUD/NZD pairs move first. | 02:00-11:00 GST | 22:00-07:00 UTC |
| TokyoAsian range; JPY crosses and gold pick up. | 04:00-13:00 GST | 00:00-09:00 UTC |
| LondonHighest volume of the day; majors trend. | 12:00-21:00 GST | 08:00-17:00 UTC |
| New YorkUS data releases; London overlap is the busiest window. | 17:00-02:00 GST | 13:00-22:00 UTC |
Which hours are worth trading
The honest answer is fewer hours than most beginners trade. Volume concentrates in the overlap; outside it spreads widen and moves are choppier. If you hold a job, trading one defined window beats watching charts all evening.
What time does the forex market open in the UAE?
The trading week opens with the Sydney session at 02:00 GST on Monday and runs without a break until the New York close on Friday evening. Individual sessions overlap, which is why volume rises and falls through the day.
Which session is best to trade from the UAE?
The London–New York overlap, 17:00-21:00 GST, carries the most volume and the tightest spreads on the major pairs. It is also the window where news releases move price fastest, so it rewards a plan and punishes improvisation.
Does the market close for lunch or at night?
No. Forex runs continuously from the Sydney open to the New York close; only the weekend is closed. Liquidity, however, thins out between sessions, and thin liquidity means wider spreads.
Trading forex and CFDs on margin carries a high risk of losing more than you deposit. Most retail accounts lose money. Nothing on this page is financial advice.
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