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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued the advisory on March 1 recommending remote working for private sector employees through March 3 to support workforce well-being and business continuity across the UAE. Dubai’s media office reported that the vast majority of commercial activities in the emirate ran without interruption, with officials commending the sector for its resilience in maintaining economic momentum during the period. Abu Dhabi authorities separately confirmed that private sector activity remained strong and operations continued smoothly in the capital.
According to the ministry the specific choice to halt in-person work or close facilities stayed with competent local authorities in each emirate rather than following a uniform national mandate. This framework permitted essential services to proceed while offering flexibility in response to prevailing conditions. The approach reflected broader efforts to safeguard both employee welfare and sustained productivity in key economic centers.
S&P Global data placed the UAE non-oil private sector PMI at 52.9 in March down from 55.0 the prior month yet still above the 50 threshold that signals expansion. The March reading marked the weakest improvement in operating conditions since July 2025 with softer new orders linked to external demand pressures and regional supply chain constraints. Output nonetheless grew on the back of ongoing infrastructure projects and domestic requirements even as the remote work advisory took hold.
Dubai’s PMI eased to 53.2 in March from 54.6 in February according to the same S&P Global survey indicating the slowest non-oil private sector upturn in nine months. Businesses pointed to new projects strong tourism inflows and population growth as factors supporting activity levels throughout the advisory window. Employment continued to increase though at a moderated pace compared with earlier readings.
The UAE entered 2026 with solid economic momentum according to Forbes Middle East placing the country on track to meet a 5.3 percent growth target driven by non-oil sector strength. This performance extended earlier gains including accelerated private sector expansion in Abu Dhabi that had exceeded 30 percent in preceding years. Government and central bank policies have centered on diversification to mitigate external headwinds and maintain stability.
Emirates NBD Research noted that the national PMI had reached 55.0 in February its highest level in a year with more than 30 percent of firms reporting higher business activity supported by marketing initiatives and official backing. Output and new orders both accelerated in that month ahead of the March advisory. Such underlying trends contributed to the private sector’s ability to navigate the short-term remote measures with limited disruption.
