Dubai, 09 March 2025 – In a landmark achievement, Dubai has secured the top global position for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year, as per fDi Markets data from the Financial Times Ltd. This surge in UAE foreign investment reflects the city’s growing global appeal across diverse economic sectors and highlights Dubai’s strategic focus under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
In 2024, Dubai attracted a record AED 52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in FDI capital — a 33.2% rise from the AED 39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) recorded in 2023. This marks the highest annual FDI inflow ever for the emirate, affirming Dubai’s growing stature as a magnet for international investors.
Sectors Fueling Dubai’s FDI Surge
According to the Dubai FDI Monitor, sectors such as hotels and tourism, real estate, software and IT services, financial services, and building materials were the top attractors of capital. These five sectors alone accounted for 53% of the total FDI inflows.
On the project front, the leading sectors were business services (19.2%), food and beverages (16.5%), software and IT (14.3%), textiles (9.6%), and consumer products (8.3%), collectively contributing to 68% of all announced FDI projects. This diversified growth showcases Dubai’s broad investment appeal, spanning technology, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Strategic Growth Across High-Potential Sectors
Dubai also led globally in attracting FDI into emerging and strategic sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced information technology, and e-commerce. The city’s share of global FDI projects in Advanced Information Technologies rose to 8% in 2024, up from 7.3% in 2023.
Regionally, Dubai topped the charts in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for Greenfield FDI projects, capital, and jobs. The emirate also retained its No.1 global rank in attracting HQ FDI projects for the third consecutive year, with 50 new headquarters established in 2024.
Investor Confidence at an All-Time High
Reinvestments surged by 98%, while venture capital-backed FDI grew by 39%, and mergers & acquisitions increased by 8%. New Forms of Investments (NFIs) also climbed 23%, signalling sustained investor confidence in Dubai’s evolving economy.
India led as the top source of FDI capital into Dubai in 2024, accounting for 21.5% of the total, followed by the United States (13.7%), France (11%), the UK (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%). Meanwhile, the top five countries by project count were the UK, India, the US, France, and Italy.
Visionary Leadership and Economic Resilience
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attributed Dubai’s success to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the ambitious goals of the D33 Agenda, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. “Dubai continues to rise as a global magnet for investment, enterprise, and talent,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) emphasised that Dubai’s FDI success stems from its resilient ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking policies. “Our digital-first infrastructure, cost-effective energy solutions, and innovation-driven outlook position Dubai as the top choice for global investors,” he added.
UAE’s National FDI Landscape
At the national level, the UAE attracted USD 30.7 billion in FDI in 2023, up from USD 22.7 billion in 2022, ranking it second globally in terms of FDI inflows. The UAE FDI landscape has evolved through policies like Decree Law No. 19 of 2018, allowing 100% foreign ownership in permitted sectors, boosting foreign direct investment in UAE mainland markets.
Promising FDI sectors across the UAE include fintech, healthcare, education, ecommerce, logistics, renewable energy, media and entertainment, agritech, space, manufacturing, gaming, smart cities, and creative industries.
Legal Pathways and Incentives
Foreign investors in the UAE can choose from several legal forms — including LLCs and joint stock companies — to set up FDI projects. Licensing procedures vary by emirate, with Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah actively processing applications under the Positive List. Key incentives include streamlined incorporation under the NextGenFDI initiative, reduced licensing timelines, and greater legal clarity on sectoral ownership.
Outlook for 2025
According to UNCTAD, global FDI is expected to grow moderately in 2025, driven by geopolitical realignment and a tech-led economic recovery. Dubai’s strong infrastructure, progressive policies, and commitment to innovation position it as a resilient hub amid global uncertainties, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, cybersecurity, and the digital economy.
With a global FDI market share of 6.2% and 55% of the Middle East’s Greenfield projects, Dubai remains a benchmark for investment excellence, exemplifying the future of business, innovation, and sustainable growth.
For more on foreign investment opportunities, visit the UAE Ministry of Economy’s “Grow in UAE” portal or review the UAE’s FDI Guide.
