Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: September 3, 2025
Egypt’s non-oil private sector contracts further in August, PMI shows
Egypt’s non-oil PMI fell to 49.2 in August, marking a sixth month of contraction, as demand stayed weak despite easing input inflation.
Insight
Weak demand remains a drag, even as lower cost pressures may open space for recovery later.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector growth accelerates slightly in August-PMI
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector PMI rose to 56.4 in August, driven by strong demand, higher exports, and job creation.
Insight
The figures show resilience in economic diversification under Vision 2030, reinforcing private-sector strength.
Slowing sales weigh on UAE non-oil private sector growth in August, PMI shows
UAE’s PMI stood at 53.3 in August, signaling growth but at the weakest pace in new sales in over four years.
Insight
The slowdown reveals fragility in consumer demand despite ongoing project activity, exposing vulnerabilities to global shocks.
Hope dwindles for survivors days after deadly Afghan quake
Rescue efforts continued after a powerful earthquake in Afghanistan left thousands dead, but hopes of finding survivors faded several days after the disaster.
Insight
The tragedy underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, worsened by limited infrastructure and humanitarian access.
