The UAE recorded $30.7 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023, marking a 35% year-on-year increase, the Ministry of Investment announced. The nation ranked 11th globally for FDI inflows by value and 2nd worldwide for the number of greenfield projects, with key investments from the US ($3.8 billion), India ($3.3 billion), the UK ($1.2 billion), France ($1.1 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($1.1 billion).
As part of its strategy to further position itself as a global investment hub, the Ministry of Investment released a whitepaper titled “UAE Matures Into a Global FDI Magnet” at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. The report highlights the UAE’s investment-friendly environment, including trading zones, international partnerships, and its role as a global trading hub and talent destination. The whitepaper, developed through stakeholder interviews and data analysis, outlines the UAE’s goal to become a diversified, innovation-driven global leader by 2031, with a focus on sustainability and digital transformation.
“The findings from this whitepaper underscore the immense potential our nation’s investment landscape has to offer,” said Mohammad Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment. “The UAE remains steadfast in our commitment to future-proofing our economy, with economic diversification as the cornerstone of our strategy, and innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation as core driving principles.”
Economic diversification and sustainability are key pillars of the UAE’s National Investment Strategy. FDI accounted for 6% of GDP in 2023, with the UAE targeting an increase to 8% under the strategy. The report emphasizes the role of bilateral agreements and market access through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in driving growth.
