UAE Firms Start Hiring Again in September, but Only Modestly
UAE non-oil employment rose again in September 2026 after an August dip, with the PMI steady at 55.3. Dubai's PMI hit a 7-month high of 54.5.
UAEIn brief
- The UAE PMI stayed at 55.3 in September 2026, equal to August's 20-month high.
- Employment rose again after falling in August, but the increase was small.
- Dubai's PMI rose to 54.5, its best in seven months, and Dubai firms also added a few staff.
- Prices charged by UAE firms rose at the fastest rate since May 2011.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | S&P Global |
| Official source | S&P Global – UAE PMI, September 2026 ✓ pmi.spglobal.com |
UAE companies outside the oil industry added staff again in September 2026, after cutting back in August. The S&P Global UAE PMI, released on 5 October, held at 55.3, matching August's 20-month high. But the rise in jobs was described as modest.
Key numbers
| Indicator | UAE | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Headline PMI (September) | 55.3 (unchanged) | 54.5 (up from 54.1) |
| Employment | Rose slightly after August fall | Rose slightly after August fall |
| New orders | Strong; exports best in about two years | Marked rise; exports best in two years |
| Prices charged | Fastest rise since May 2011 | Fastest rise since January 2014 |
| Outlook | Near recent lows | Just above March's low |
Why hiring is careful
S&P Global economist David Owen said the non-oil economy has moved past the mid-year slowdown linked to the Middle East conflict. Orders are back, especially from abroad. But firms are still uncertain about the outlook, so they are slow to take on permanent staff.
In Dubai, staff costs barely changed. Some firms raised pay, while others held back on hiring.
What else the survey shows
- Work is piling up. Backlogs grew again, which often leads to more hiring if it continues.
- Costs are high. Oil price swings and shipping problems are pushing up input costs, and firms are passing them on.
- Suppliers are faster. Delivery times shortened in Dubai for a fourth month.
This lines up with recruitment data showing UAE hiring rebounded 4% in Q3 2026.
What it means for job seekers
- Openings are returning. Firms with growing order books are the best targets now.
- Expect careful offers. Employers may prefer contract or project roles before committing to permanent hires.
- Export-focused firms are busier. Trading, logistics and manufacturing companies selling abroad reported strong demand.
- Negotiate with care. Pay rises are uneven, so research salaries for your role before talks.
Saudi firms are hiring faster: see Saudi Arabia's September PMI.
Frequently asked questions
Are UAE companies hiring now?
Yes, but cautiously. The September 2026 PMI showed employment rising again after a fall in August, though only modestly.
What was the Dubai PMI in September 2026?
54.5, up from 54.1 in August and the highest in seven months.
Why is UAE hiring slow?
S&P Global says firms remain unsure about the economic outlook after the mid-year slowdown linked to the regional conflict.
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