The UAE surged to 10th place globally in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows last year, attracting Dh167.6 billion ($45.6 billion), a 4% rise from 2023, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025.
The country captured 37% of all Gulf-region FDI, and its 1,369 new greenfield projects placed it second only to the US globally, accounting for Dh53.3 billion ($14.5 billion) in announced capital. This marked a 2.8% gain in greenfield FDI, outperforming the global average growth of 0.8%.
Annual inflows climbed sharply from Dh31.6 billion in 2015 to Dh167.6 billion in 2024, with cumulative FDI stock reaching $270.6 billion, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 10.5% over nine years.
Sector-wise, software and IT services led greenfield project values (11.5%), followed by business services (9.7%), renewable energy (9.3%), oil, gas and coal (9%), and real estate (7.8%). The energy sector alone attracted Dh4.8 billion in fresh FDI.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, stated that the results are a sign of global confidence, noting that Dh37 of every Dh100 invested in the Gulf flows to the UAE. He said the country now aims to attract Dh1.3 trillion in FDI over the next six years.
Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi cited strategic reforms—including full foreign ownership, a 9% corporate tax rate, simplified licensing and arbitration frameworks, as key drivers behind the surge.
Despite weakness in global FDI, the UAE led the region in both volume and new projects. Investors continue to be drawn to government-backed economic diversification strategies, supportive regulations, and clear targets outlined in the National Investment Strategy 2031.
