Despite the overall positive trend, new orders from foreign customers in Saudi Arabia have declined for seven consecutive months, attributed to supply chain disruptions and shipping delays caused by the regional conflict. The tourism, retail, aviation, and property sectors in the Gulf had previously been affected by attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy installations.

In the UAE, the non-oil private sector also saw marked improvement in demand conditions. Business activity increased rapidly, leading companies to expand purchasing and employment. The S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers' Index remained stable at 55.3, suggesting the non-oil economy has moved past the midyear slowdown linked to the Middle East conflict. Export business for UAE companies rose at its strongest rate in nearly two years.

Dubai's non-oil private sector business activity also maintained a sharp growth trajectory, with the Dubai PMI reaching 54.5 in September, up from 54.1 in August. This growth was fueled by a significant increase in output and new orders, supported by the strongest expansion in new business from abroad in two years. However, output price inflation quickened as companies passed on higher input costs to customers.