The UAE secured more than $45 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, representing a nearly 50% increase compared with 2024, even as global FDI fell by 11%, a senior official reported.
“We attracted over half of all investment inflows into the Middle East, ranked second worldwide for new greenfield projects after the United States, and welcomed almost 10,000 new millionaires, more than any other country.
In an era of global fragmentation, our connectivity remains a significant strategic advantage,” said Badr Jafar, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy.
He made these remarks during a discussion hosted by the UAE Pavilion at the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
The session, titled “The Great Rebalancing: Artificial Intelligence, Jobs, and the Future of Inclusive Growth,” brought together Badr Jafar and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to explore the risks and opportunities shaping the global economic outlook.
Badr Jafar emphasised the UAE’s strategic commitment to building an economy designed for resilience, openness, and global connectivity.
“In a period of global system fragmentation, the UAE is intensifying its focus on connection. Our open skies, open ports, and open minds illustrate the strength of this approach, which is clearly reflected in the data,” he said.
The dialogue underlined the UAE’s ongoing dedication to influencing global economic discussions and supporting international efforts on inclusive growth, artificial intelligence, and the future of work.
The session was part of the UAE Pavilion’s wider programme at the World Economic Forum, highlighting the importance of responsible innovation, patient capital, and cross-sector collaboration in fostering a more resilient and inclusive global economy.
