UAE non-oil firms hire at fastest rate in 11 months

The UAE’s non-oil private sector showcased remarkable resilience in April 2025, with employment growth hitting an 11-month high, signalling a vibrant economic landscape driven by rising demand and strategic workforce expansion.

- Issac John [e-mail]

According to the latest S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which held steady at a robust 54.0, the sector continued its upward trajectory, firmly above the 50.0 growth threshold. This sustained performance underscores the UAE's successful diversification efforts, reducing reliance on oil and fostering a dynamic non-oil economy.

The standout feature of April’s PMI was the sharp uptick in job creation, the fastest since May 2024. David Owen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted, “After months of modest payroll increases despite strong sales, hiring activity surged as firms addressed mounting workloads.”

Businesses reported a pressing need to tackle backlogs, which, while still significant, eased to a six-month low. This hiring spree reflects the sector’s response to sustained demand, with new orders rising sharply, fuelled by a five-month peak in international demand and growing domestic client bases.