The United Arab Emirates’ non-oil private sector maintained expansion in March, but at a slower pace, as the S&P Global Composite PMI eased to 52.9 from 55.0 in February 2026, according to data updated on 3 April 2026.
Although the latest reading remains above the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction, the decline signals a moderation in overall business activity and demand conditions compared with the previous month. The softer composite figure suggests that while output and new orders likely continued to grow, the pace of improvement has cooled from the more robust expansion seen in February.
Investors and analysts will be watching subsequent PMI releases to gauge whether March’s pullback marks the start of a broader slowdown in the UAE’s private sector momentum or a temporary pause following earlier strength. For now, the data still point to continued, albeit more measured, economic expansion in early 2026.