FX.co ★ UAE Private Sector Momentum Strengthens as S&P Global Composite PMI Rises in January

The United Arab Emirates’ private sector began 2026 on a firmer footing, with the S&P Global Composite PMI edging higher to 54.9 in January 2026 from 54.2 in December 2025. The latest reading, updated on 4 February 2026, signals a faster pace of expansion in overall economic activity across the country.

A PMI level above 50 points to growth in private sector business conditions, and the uptick suggests improving sentiment at the start of the year. The rise from December’s 54.2 to 54.9 indicates that output and demand in the UAE’s non-oil economy continued to gain traction as 2026 commenced, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the more resilient markets in the region.

The January 2026 improvement in the composite index will be closely watched by investors and policymakers as a potential sign of sustained momentum, following a solid end to 2025 and a positive transition into the new year for the UAE’s diversified economic base.