Dubai is strengthening its role as an international investment hub as the UAE attracts record foreign direct investment and expands its presence across global markets. The latest figures show growing activity across technology, manufacturing, financial services, logistics and real estate
Dubai attracted 1,253 announced greenfield FDI projects in 2025, marking a 10.5% increase from the previous year. The emirate retained the top global position for greenfield FDI projects for the fifth consecutive year, according to data from the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database. Its share of global greenfield projects reached a record 7%.
The projects also generated substantial economic activity. Dubai attracted USD 8.83 billion in greenfield FDI capital during 2025, while the investments supported 38,918 jobs, an 18.8% increase from 2024. Investment came from North America, Europe, Asia and the GCC, reflecting a broad international investor base.
The wider UAE investment landscape also gained momentum. The country attracted USD 48.3 billion, or AED 177.3 billion, in FDI during 2025, representing a 6% annual increase. The UAE moved to ninth place globally among destinations for inbound FDI, while its total FDI stock reached AED 1.17 trillion.
The UAE also recorded 1,562 greenfield projects worth USD 34.1 billion in announced capital expenditure. Manufacturing accounted for 30% of greenfield FDI, while communications represented 29% and real estate 7%. These projects generated more than 65,000 jobs across sectors.
Dubai’s investment activity extends beyond traditional sectors. The emirate recorded strong FDI activity in business services, tourism, transportation, warehousing, software, IT, consumer products and financial services.
The latest numbers come as global FDI remains uneven. UN Trade and Development said global FDI rose 6% to USD 1.6 trillion in 2025, but much of the recovery was concentrated in fewer economies and large projects.
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