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,...

Iraqi football fans in Dubai celebrate win over Oman

 

Iraq

Hundreds of Iraqi football fans gathered in Dubai’s coffee shops on Thursday night to watch their national team win 3-2 in the Arabian Gulf Cup against Oman.

When the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted into the streets of Jumeirah with dancing, flag waving, and shouts of "long live Iraq" ringing out into the air.

But according to some celebrators, it was never about the silverwear.

“The real victory for Iraqis was not about carrying the trophy," Mustafa Al Baldawi, 44, an Iraqi resident in Dubai

"It is for the successful host of the cup [plus it] reduces the gap between Iraq and Gulf neighbours."

Thousands of GCC residents poured into Iraq to watch the game for the first time since 1979, which Mr Al Baldawi believes helped Arabs embrace Iraq again.

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