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,...

Iraq Reaches Agreement to Supply Iran with Crude Oil in Exchange for Gas, Resolving Gas Supply Crisis

 

Iraq

In a significant development, Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, announced on Tuesday that an agreement had been successfully reached to supply Iran with crude oil in exchange for gas. The decision comes as a much-needed resolution to the ongoing gas supply crisis that has been hampering the operation of electricity plants in Iraq.

During a televised speech, Prime Minister Al Sudani expressed relief and optimism as he shared the news with the nation. He stated, "The supply of Iranian gas has resumed, and the quantities will increase, starting this evening, as 10 million standard cubic meters will flow, and they will return to the same previous quantities."

The resumption of gas supply from Iran is expected to alleviate the burden on Iraq's struggling electricity sector. The availability of sufficient gas will ensure the smooth functioning of power plants, thereby addressing the prolonged electricity shortages that have been a persistent concern for Iraqi citizens.

This agreement marks a collaborative effort between Iraq and Iran to overcome the challenges faced by both nations. By exchanging crude oil for gas, Iraq can tap into Iran's abundant natural resources, while Iran benefits from Iraq's oil reserves. Such cooperation demonstrates the potential for regional partnerships to mutually benefit neighboring countries.

Iraq's decision to resume gas imports from Iran highlights the importance of maintaining stable relationships and finding practical solutions to shared challenges. Despite the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, both countries have prioritized their energy needs and have taken steps towards resolving the gas supply crisis.

Prime Minister Al Sudani's announcement is expected to bring relief and hope to the people of Iraq, who have been enduring frequent power outages and disruptions in their daily lives. With the resumption of gas supply, Iraq can now work towards enhancing its electricity infrastructure and ensuring a reliable source of power for its citizens.

As the flow of Iranian gas increases and stabilizes, it is anticipated that Iraq's energy sector will witness positive developments, fostering economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for its residents.

The successful resolution of the gas supply crisis through this agreement not only showcases the importance of regional cooperation but also highlights the resilience and determination of the Iraqi government to address critical issues affecting its population.

With this positive development, both Iraq and Iran can look forward to strengthening their ties and exploring further avenues of collaboration in various sectors for the benefit of their respective nations and the region as a whole.






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