Dubai’s business conditions improve

Business conditions in Dubai showed signs of picking up in June as the city reopens after a lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Non-oil private sector activity in the Middle East’s business hub improved for the first time since February, according to IHS Markit’s Purchasing Managers’ Index. The gauge rose from 46 in May to 50 last month — the mark that separates contraction from growth.

“Business activity was back in positive territory as firms were given a welcome boost from the relaxing of lockdown measures,” said David Owen, an economist at IHS Markit.

“Some sectors were on the path back to normality, according to survey respondents, though others presented a more cautious picture, finding that demand in some areas, notably travel & tourism, was still extremely weak.”

Signs of rebound

Economies across the world are starting to show signs of rebound as most countries begin to chart a path of recovery from the economic damages caused by the pandemic. The UAE has lifted its overnight restrictions and reopened its borders.

“Firms direly need a boost to cash flow, as many have been left struggling with low revenues and high cost burdens in June,” according to Owen.

Non-oil private sector activity in the UAE improved in June for the first time in six months and reached the strongest since October 2019, according to an IHS Markit report last week.

UAE companies continued to adjust by cutting costs in June, according to IHS Markit. But with the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, more businesses grew upbeat that output will expand in the year ahead, it said.