Dubai has maintained its position as the world’s leading destination for Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year, according to data from the Financial Times Ltd.’s ‘fDi Markets’. In 2024, the emirate attracted Dh52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in estimated FDI capital, marking a 33.2% increase from Dh39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023.
The number of Greenfield FDI projects reached a record 1,117 in 2024, the highest in Dubai’s history. Additionally, the total announced FDI projects rose by 11% to 1,826, up from 1,650 in 2023. These investments generated an estimated 58,680 jobs, a 31% increase compared to 44,745 jobs in the previous year.
In 2024, Dubai advanced to fourth place globally for attracting Greenfield FDI capital, up from fifth position in 2023, and secured the top spot in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The city also moved from fourth to third globally in terms of jobs created through inward FDI, maintaining its leading position in the MEA region. Key sectors contributing to this growth include business services, software and IT services, real estate, transportation and warehousing, financial services, industrial equipment, consumer products, and communications.
Dubai’s sustained FDI performance aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three urban economies. The city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies continue to enhance its appeal as a global investment hub.
