The United Arab Emirates' non-oil private sector expanded at its fastest pace in nine months in December, driven by strong demand and increased business activity, a survey showed on Monday. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 55.

Growth in the UAE’s non-oil private sector expanded in December at its fastest rate in nine months on robust demand conditions, a business survey revealed on Monday. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 55.4 in December from 54.2 in the previous month, marking its third consecutive monthly increase.

Irish services sector activity expanded slightly slower in December but growth in new business hit its fastest pace since March and optimism for the coming 12 months improved, a survey showed on Monday.