UAE business loan demand rising gradually – central bank

Demand for business loans in the United Arab Emirates rose moderately in the April-June quarter while demand for personal loans rebounded slightly after dropping in the previous quarter, a central bank survey showed on Sunday.

The net balance measure for business lending – the weighted percentage of respondents reporting an increase in demand for loans minus those reporting a fall – rose to plus 11.8 in April-June from plus 4.6 in the previous quarter.

For the current quarter, respondents expect a further rise to plus 16.3, while they also think credit standards will tighten further, the central bank added.