Financial News: UAE Non-Oil Private Sector Growth Eases In March

UAE Non-Oil Private Sector Growth Eases In March

04/03/2026 - 05:11:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - The non-oil private sector economy in the UAE expanded at a slower pace in March as output and new business growth eased markedly amid the Middle East crisis, survey data from S&P Global showed on Friday.

The purchasing managers' index for the non-oil private sector economy dropped to 52.9 in March from 55.0 in February. Nonetheless, a score above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.

The slowdown in output growth in March was due to the closure of supply routes and softer demand conditions caused by the Middle East war.

The growth in new orders moderated to a 7-month low in March, and international orders rose only at a modest pace, linked to supply-chain shortages, increased freight costs, and broader uncertainty.

Overall vendor performance showed the largest monthly fall on record as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz reportedly led to longer wait times on inputs.

On the price front, input price inflation accelerated to the highest since July 2024 as the war in the Middle East led to strong increases for inputs including logistics, insurance, fuel, energy, steel, technology equipment, and machinery.

Looking ahead, business confidence dropped to its lowest since early 2021 amid concerns about the possible depth and longevity of the war's economic impact.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

U.S. Homebuilder Confidence Deteriorates Much More Than Expected April (01 hr(s), 11 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Reflecting economic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and intere ...Full Story»

U.S. Crude Oil Inventories Unexpectedly Edge Lower (01 hr(s), 15 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Energy Information Administration released a report on Wednesday showing crude oil ...Full Story»

New York Manufacturing Index Unexpectedly Indicates Growth In April (01 hr(s), 24 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - A report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Wednesday unexpectedly sh ...Full Story»

U.S. Import Prices Climb 0.8% In March, Much Less Than Expected (02 hr(s), 06 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Import prices in the U.S. grew by much less than expected in the month of March, accor ...Full Story»

New York Manufacturing Index Unexpectedly Turns Positive In April (03 hr(s), 16 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - A report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Wednesday unexpectedly sh ...Full Story»

U.S. Import Prices Climb Much Less Than Expected In March (03 hr(s), 21 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Import prices in the U.S. grew by much less than expected in the month of March, accor ...Full Story»

Irish Trade Surplus Shrinks In February (05 hr(s), 21 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Ireland's foreign trade surplus decreased in February as imports grew amid a fall ...Full Story»

Hungary Industrial Output Falls As Estimated (05 hr(s), 40 min(s), 33 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Hungary's industrial production declined for the second straight month as initiall ...Full Story»