Dubai named world’s top destination for foreign investment for 5th straight year as FDI projects hit record high

Dubai retained its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield FDI projects in 2025, attracting 1,253 projects and $8.83bn.

Dubai has retained its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fifth consecutive year, reinforcing its status as one of the most attractive global hubs for business, investment and innovation.

According to data published by the Financial Times Ltd’s fDi Markets database, Dubai recorded one of its strongest inward investment performances since 2015, attracting 1,253 announced greenfield FDI projects in 2025, a 10.5 per cent increase compared with 2024.

The emirate also secured a record 7 per cent share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in its history, supporting the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economy, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed.

“We are proud of the trust that investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world continue to place in Dubai.

“This confidence reflects the resilience of our economy, the strength of our fundamentals and our ability to constantly create new opportunities for growth.

Foreign direct investment in Dubai

“Dubai’s competitiveness is also built on our ability to anticipate change, adapt quickly and transform global shifts into growth pathways. As we strengthen our position as the preferred global destination for investment, we remain focused on creating long-term economic value and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major player in the global economy.

“Our ambition is not only to attract investment, but to create an environment where the world’s brightest talent and most ambitious businesses come together to build the industries and opportunities of tomorrow.”

Beyond project volume, Dubai continued to record strong capital inflows.

According to the fDi Markets database, the emirate attracted AED32.43bn ($8.83bn) in greenfield FDI capital during 2025.

The investment activity also supported the creation of 38,918 jobs, representing an 18.8 per cent increase from 32,754 jobs recorded in 2024.

Investment projects

The results were driven by a mix of investment types, including:

• Greenfield projects
• Reinvestments
• Venture capital-backed activity
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Strategic business expansions

Dubai maintained its position as the world’s leading destination for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting continued confidence among multinational companies seeking regional and international expansion opportunities.

The emirate also retained its global leadership in artificial intelligence-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year.

The emirate ranked No.1 globally across several strategic sectors, including:

• ICT and electronics
• Creative industries
• Professional services
• Life sciences
• Consumer goods
• Financial services
• Industrial equipment
• Environmental technology

Food, healthcare, cleantech and e-commerce investments

In a further significant milestone, Dubai ranked No.1 globally in manufacturing FDI projects for the very first time, highlighting the growing role of advanced manufacturing within the emirate’s economic diversification strategy and aligning with the objectives of the D33 Agenda.

Dubai also secured the top global ranking in transportation and warehousing projects, reinforcing its position as a leading logistics and trade gateway.

The emirate ranked first globally in several high-impact industries, including:

• Food and beverages
• Electronic components
• Healthcare
• Business machines and equipment
• Cleantech
• Metals
• E-commerce

According to the report, it was the only destination city worldwide to attract more than 10 greenfield FDI projects across several of these sectors, demonstrating both the breadth of its economic base and its ability to sustain investment momentum across traditional and future-focused industries.

Dubai Economic Agenda D33

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s ability to maintain its global leadership in Greenfield FDI attraction for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the continued confidence international investors place in the emirate.

“While global markets may have navigated significant challenges in recent months, Dubai entered this period with quantifiable momentum, attracting record levels of capital that provided a strong foundation for sustained growth.

“This is a clear reflection of the trust that investors and multinational corporations place in our future-ready ecosystem.

“This performance underscores the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the depth of its public-private partnerships, and the efficacy of a well-defined forward-looking regulatory framework that continues to attract high-quality investment across priority sectors.

“These results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, highlighting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations.”

GDP reaches $255bn

Strong economic fundamentals continued to support investment activity during the year.

The emirate’s annual GDP reached AED937bn ($255.1bn) in 2025, reflecting 5.4 per cent growth.

Growth accelerated further in the fourth quarter, reaching 6.4 per cent, despite continued volatility in global markets.

His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the city Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, said: “The scale and quality of FDI inflows in 2025 reflect sustained global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory.

“The continued inflow of capital investment is further evidence that investors are deepening their operational presence rather than adopting short-term positioning strategies. From headquarters and high-value manufacturing to AI, FinTech, logistics, and creative industries, the diversity and quality of investment flows demonstrate Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural shifts in the global economy.

“Investors recognise that Dubai offers a unique combination of agile regulation, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to top-tier global talent. As we continue to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, deal activity and expansion momentum remain strong, reinforcing our outlook for accelerating momentum in 2026 and beyond.”

Diversified markets

Dubai FDI Monitor data showed continued investment confidence from North America, Europe, Asia and the GCC.

Officials said the geographic diversity of investors further reinforces the emirate’s role as a strategic bridge between East and West, supported by connectivity, trade facilitation reforms and a continuously modernised regulatory environment.

Strong investment activity was recorded across:

• Business services
• Hotels and tourism
• Transportation and warehousing
• Consumer products
• Real estate
• Software and IT services
• Financial services

The emirate also highlighted the recently announced AED2.5bn ($680.6m) economic incentive package, which includes fee deferrals, customs grace periods and streamlined residency permit processes designed to support business growth, talent attraction and long-term investment.