Strong performance for large companies in Dubai during the first quarter

A survey of the business sector in Dubai for the first quarter of 2025, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism, revealed the preservation of the business confidence index for large companies, with a strong performance, amounting to 119 points, slightly exceeding the general index and the index of small and medium -sized companies, and the indicator of business confidence showed a great deal of resilience, and the ability of companies to adapt to global inflation challenges.

The quarterly survey of the business sector was conducted for the first three months of this year, on a total sample that includes 614 companies from all over the Emirate of Dubai. The sample included a mixture of small, medium and large companies that include sufficient representation from the sectors of industry, trade and services, and in proportion to the added value of each of the GDP of Dubai.

The business confidence index for small and medium companies achieved a stable performance of 114.3 points in the first quarter of 2025 (almost equivalent to the general index), which reflects the ability of these companies to adapt and optimize the business environment in Dubai.

The business confidence index for the strongest service sector during the first quarter of 2025 was 123 points, which reflects the strength of this sector and its ability to adapt. The business confidence index for the export sector settled at 116 points during the first quarter of 2025, indicating a continuous improvement in performance, and the great sector’s ability to deal with world trade challenges, in addition to optimistic future expectations.

The study included the performance of the tourism sector within the scope of tracking in the first quarter of 2025, with a preliminary index of 100 points.

According to the study, despite the ongoing fluctuations, public trends have shown since 2011 the strength of the business sector in Dubai, its flexibility and its ability to maintain a general positive view throughout the various economic courses.

The business confidence index for small and medium companies showed the cohesion of 114.3 points, despite the economic fluctuations in 2024 and the beginning of 2025, and the direction of the index since 2012 reflects the ability of the small and medium -sized companies sector to adapt to various economic courses, while maintaining positive general expectations.

The business confidence index for the export sector scored 116 points during the first quarter of this year, which reflects a recovery from the performance of the previous quarter, which amounted to 114.2 points.

The export sector in Dubai also showed the ability to adapt, taking advantage of the strategic location of the emirate and its infrastructure to maintain its competitiveness in international markets. As for the different sectors, the services sector was the most optimistic; The business confidence index for the sector scored 123 points, which reflects its ability to adapt and preach positive expectations.

On the other hand, the business confidence index for the manufacturing sector scored 109.8 points, in contrast, the business confidence index for the trade sector achieved 100.3 points, and Dubai achieved 114.9 points on the complex business confidence index during the first quarter of 2025, outperforming similar economies, which reflects the strength of its economic position in facing global challenges.

Employment levels remained stable and the net employment balance reached 16%, unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2024, and 31% of companies increased the size of their power operating during the first quarter of this year, indicating optimism in human resources management.

Expectations indicate an increase in sales revenues and new purchase requests, and the number of employees during the second quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter of the same year.

32% of investors intend to increase the number of employees, which reflects a state of optimism about the growth of the future business sector.

Data indicates companies adapting to continuous economic challenges, along with general positive expectations in the short term. Companies recorded 84% in assessing the importance of the quality and availability of infrastructure, and 82% in the level of contentment, which indicates the great progress made by Dubai in providing international levels and facilities. Companies also showed a positive look at the availability of raw materials, market size and other factors.

Export sales of 28% of investors increased during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, indicating positive performance. The exporters expect a significant increase in sales during the second quarter.

• 32 % of investors intend to increase the number of employees, which reflects a state of optimism about the growth of the future business sector.

• Companies express high satisfaction with infrastructure and services in Dubai.