Production Levels Increase at Fastest Rate since March 2024
Notable Improvement in Market Conditions Accompanied by Positive Production Increases
Data from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) by S&P Global indicates that the activity levels in Dubai’s private sector experienced another strong improvement in 2025, with non-oil businesses observing a robust enhancement in operational conditions, particularly in the last month of the year.
The Dubai PMI registered a score of 54.3 in December, slightly down from 54.5 in October and November.
The PMI data, designed to provide an accurate overview of operational conditions in the non-oil private sector economy, showed that production levels grew at the fastest pace since March 2024. This expansion was linked to a significant increase in new business volumes, with companies demonstrating their ability to scale operations while reporting a slight rise in employee numbers.
On a national level, the PMI stood at 54.2 in December, closely aligning with its long-term average of 54.3, indicating a strong improvement in sector conditions.
The index data highlighted that companies noted receiving new orders from clients, enhancements in market conditions, and supportive local policies. Non-oil firms continued to report a notable rise in activity levels toward the end of 2025.
Despite a slow-down in growth pace since November, the expansion rate remained among the fastest recorded throughout the year, with over a quarter of surveyed businesses reporting monthly increases in production.
Looking ahead to 2026, the expectations from firms remained generally positive, with participants expressing optimism regarding demand trends and business investments.