Strong 2018 Forecast And Diversification Lift Business Sentiments In Dubai

Businesses in Dubai are more upbeat about the final quarter of 2017 compared to the previous quarter, driven by increased demand during the winter months. The quarterly survey of Dubai Economy showed the composite Business Confidence Index (BCI) in the third quarter increasing by 10.8 points and reaching 121.4 points, from 110.6 points in Q2 2017.

Large companies are more optimistic than the small an d medium enterprises with respect to the business outlook, with Composite BCI scores of 126.5 points and 113.8 points respectively. The services sector is most optimistic regarding its outlook for volumes for Q4 2017, followed by the manufacturing sector.

Exporters are less bullish than the overall business community, with composite BCI scores of 111.8 and 121.4 points respectively. Domestic-market oriented firms hold stronger predictions than exporters for sales revenues, selling prices, volumes, net profits and hiring.