The United Arab Emirates secured its place as the world’s 10th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025. Attracting AED167.6 billion ($45.6 billion), the UAE saw a remarkable 48% year-on-year surge in FDI inflows, reinforcing its position as a regional and global investment magnet.
Notably, the UAE accounted for 37% of all FDI coming into the Middle East. Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 was directed to the UAE, underlining its dominance in attracting cross-border capital.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the country’s performance, stating:
“In an international vote of confidence in the UAE’s economy, the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UAE attracted AED167b ($45bn) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48 per cent growth compared to the previous year.”
He added:
“Our next goal is to attract AED1.3tn ($354bn) in foreign direct investment over the next six years. Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.”
Greenfield Projects and Strategic Sectors Drive Momentum
The UAE ranked second globally—after the United States—for the number of newly announced greenfield FDI projects, logging 1,369 initiatives valued at AED53.3 billion ($14.5 billion). This performance is even more notable considering that global greenfield growth was just 0.8%, while the UAE achieved a 2.8% increase.
Top sectors attracting greenfield investment included:
- Software and IT services: 11.5%
- Business services: 9.7%
- Renewable energy: 9.3%
- Oil, gas, and coal: 9%
- Real estate: 7.8%
Within the energy sector alone, AED4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) was secured, supporting the country’s ambition to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030.
By the end of 2024, the UAE’s cumulative FDI stock reached $270.6 billion, propelled by a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% since 2015, when inflows stood at just AED31.6 billion ($8.6 billion).
UAE’s Investment Vision Targets $599B by 2031
Commenting on the latest figures, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, said:
“Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination.”
He continued:
“The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors’ needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital.”
He emphasized that the UAE’s investment ecosystem has become a global model of stability, transparency, and opportunity. As part of the National Investment Strategy 2031, the country aims to reach AED2.2 trillion ($599 billion) in cumulative FDI, focusing on sectors such as:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Renewable energy
- Financial services
- Information technology
Global Appeal Anchored in Policy and Talent
The UAE’s investment climate is supported by several structural advantages, including:
- Full foreign ownership in mainland companies
- A competitive 9% corporate tax rate
- Streamlined licensing and business setup
- Robust legal infrastructure, including the Dubai International Arbitration Centre
Furthermore, the UAE has signed 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and over 120 bilateral investment treaties, widening its global trade and investment reach.
The country also ranks 5th globally in talent competitiveness (INSEAD 2024) and 3rd in attracting AI talent (Stanford AI Index 2024). One major highlight is the recent $1.5 billion AI joint venture between Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based G42, showcasing the UAE’s rising prominence in digital innovation.
With clear policy direction, thriving sectors, and a globally trusted investment framework, the UAE is well on track to meet its bold investment targets by 2031.
