05.11.202504:52:14UTC+00UAE Non-Oil Sector Growth Eases in October

The S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) decreased to 53.8 in October 2025, down from 54.2 in September. This represents a continued, albeit slower, improvement in conditions within the non-oil private sector. Business confidence reached its lowest in 34 months, as companies became more cautious about future activities, citing competitive pressures and concerns over profit margins. This cautious outlook contributed to an almost stagnant employment growth, with businesses reluctant to increase hiring. Simultaneously, inflation in input costs decreased for the second month in a row, showing the smallest rise since June due to easing supplier and wage pressures. In contrast, growth in output and sales remained robust, driven by strong demand and the launch of new projects. The pace of business activity expansion remained above the historical average of the survey, demonstrating the resilience of the UAE's non-oil economy despite the dampening sentiment.