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

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.

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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.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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