UAE Non-Oil Business Activity Surges to Nine-Month High in December

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 The United Arab Emirates' non-oil private sector recorded its fastest expansion in nine months in December 2024, buoyed by strong domestic demand and increased business activity, according to the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report. PMI Highlights Robust Growth The seasonally adjusted UAE PMI climbed to 55.4 in December from 54.2 in November, signaling robust growth well above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. This marked the third consecutive monthly increase, underscoring sustained recovery in the non-oil sector. Key drivers of growth included a notable rise in new business activity. The new orders subindex rose sharply to 59.3 in December from 58.0 in the previous month, reflecting strong domestic demand. Challenges Amid the Growth While domestic demand flourished, export growth slowed, with the export orders subindex dropping to a seven-month low. Additionally, businesses faced mounting backlogs due to capacity constraints,...

Abu Dhabi deploys laser-based COVID-19 tests at the border

Abu Dhabi develops a laser-based test for people crossing or entering the border to avoid delays. People who will test negative on the laser-based equipment will be allowed to enter the border.
Abu Dhabi-based facility, QuantLase Imaging Lab, has developed this rapid screening technology that will involve less time for the travellers, especially the ones in hurry. “Travellers to the emirate of Abu Dhabi can be screened for COVID-19 upon entry by a laser-based DPI technique. A negative result will allow entry to Abu Dhabi, while a positive result will lead to further testing through a PCR test,” the Abu Dhabi Media office announced today.
In case of testing positive on the machine, there will be a PCR test after which the traveller will have to head back to their resident and wait for the result to come and if it results negative, then only the traveller is allowed to enter Abu Dhabi premises.
The test has also been adopted by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. This test essentially uses a laser based technology to detect inflammation in blood samples within seconds of testing.
“The device will help limit the number of individuals undergoing the PCR test as it identifies potential COVID-19 cases. Those with positive results [on this test] can take a nose swab PCR test to determine if the cause [for the detected inflammation] is COVID-19,” the MoHAP said in a statement to the Gulf News.
Dr, Pramod Kumar, who is the head of research at QuantLase explained that  the blood sample is inserted into the device, and laser light is shone onto it. When the light is scattered by cells, interference is used to create patterns on a screen in a process known as Diffractive Phase Interferometry.

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