Breaking news

UAE’s Non-Oil Sector Maintains Growth Momentum In February Amid Rising Orders And Output

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 5, 2025

The UAE’s non-oil sector continued its steady expansion in February, driven by an increase in new orders and output levels, according to the latest S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report.

Sustained Growth In Non-Oil Activity

The seasonally adjusted PMI stood at 55, marking a strong improvement in the non-oil economy and staying above the long-term average of 54.4. While slightly below December’s nine-month high of 55.4, the reading indicates continued resilience in business conditions.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Companies surveyed reported robust growth in input stocks, reflecting higher demand. However, challenges such as staffing constraints, delayed payments, and administrative bottlenecks contributed to an increase in backlogged work, although at a slightly lower rate than January’s eight-month peak.

New Orders And Employment Trends

29% of businesses saw increased activity in February, while only 5% reported a decline.
Market demand was supported by stronger advertising initiatives and stable output prices.
Despite growth, competition from local and international players slightly slowed the expansion of order books.
Inventory levels reached their highest in over a year, as businesses ramped up input purchases.

Employment levels remained largely stable, with only a few firms increasing their workforce. While order volumes grew significantly, staffing constraints limited businesses’ ability to scale operations quickly.

Price Pressures And Market Outlook

David Owen, Senior Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that while competition has kept price hikes in check, rising cost pressures have led to a slight acceleration in selling price inflation.

“Firms continue to feel the pressure of intense competition, which has capped price increases,” Owen said. “Nevertheless, businesses are eager to secure new work, leading to a rapid accumulation of backlogged orders.”

Looking Ahead

While the UAE’s non-oil sector remains on a growth trajectory, businesses face challenges related to operational delays and cost pressures. However, sustained demand and increased input investments signal a positive outlook for the coming months.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Weekly Working Hours Hold Steady In 2025

Cyprus Maintains Steady Work Week

Employees in Cyprus worked an average of 37.7 hours per week in 2025, virtually unchanged from 37.8 hours recorded a decade earlier, according to Eurostat data. The figures cover employed people aged 20 to 64 in both full-time and part-time positions and point to relatively stable working patterns despite broader shifts across the European labour market.

Gender Disparities In Workload

Working hours continued to vary by gender. Men in Cyprus worked an average of 39 hours per week, while women averaged 36.3 hours. The gap highlights differences in labour market participation and working arrangements, reflecting trends seen across many European economies.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Comparative Insights Across The European Union

Across the European Union, average actual working hours declined from 36.9 hours in 2015 to 35.9 hours in 2025. Against that backdrop, Cyprus recorded one of the more stable trends in the bloc, with average working hours remaining largely unchanged over the past decade.

Highest And Lowest Average Hours In The EU

Greece recorded the longest average work week in the EU at 39.6 hours, followed by Bulgaria and Poland at 38.7 hours and Lithuania at 38.4 hours. At the other end of the scale, the Netherlands reported the shortest average work week at 31.9 hours. Denmark and Germany followed at 33.9 hours, while Austria recorded an average of 34 hours. The figures highlight significant differences in working patterns across European labour markets.

Occupational Variances In Work Hours

Working hours also varied considerably by profession. Skilled workers in agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded the longest average work week at 42 hours, followed by managers at 40.6 hours and armed forces personnel at 39.4 hours. Among occupations with shorter working hours, elementary occupations averaged 31.8 hours per week. Administrative support staff worked an average of 34 hours, while service and sales workers averaged 34.5 hours. The data illustrate how working time continues to differ across sectors and occupations, reflecting varying labour demands and employment structures throughout the EU.