Dubai is first in the world in attracting foreign direct investment projects for the fifth year in a row in 2025

DUBAI, 23 JUNE / WAM / The Emirate of Dubai ranked first in the world in attracting new foreign direct investment projects for the fifth year in a row, according to Financial Times – FDI Markets data on foreign direct investment markets.

During the year 2025, Dubai recorded the highest levels of performance in attracting foreign direct investment projects since 2015, with the number of new projects announced rising to 1,253 projects, a growth of 10.5% compared to 2024. The emirate also achieved an unprecedented achievement by acquiring 7% of the total new foreign direct investment projects in the world, which is the highest share recorded by the emirate in its history, according to the same data.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, stressed that the achievement is the result of a clear economic vision, a successful partnership with the world, and specific strategic goals that are implemented with action plans based on a careful analysis of variables, full awareness of the needs of business communities, and the ability to meet them in a way that enables monitoring opportunities for success and helps to benefit from them, as well as challenges and ways to overcome them.

His Highness said: We are proud of the great confidence that the numbers reflect and we assure investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world our commitment to an effective economic model based on diversity, innovation and flexibility, which enables us to move steadily towards achieving our goals and increases the ability of our partners to continue growth.

His Highness added: We value every effort that contributed to achieving this achievement, and we affirm that improving Dubai’s global competitiveness and consolidating its position as a premier destination for transforming ambitious ideas into successful projects is a goal that is achieved every day as we continue to establish the foundations of sustainable long-term growth, by creating opportunities, stimulating energies, accelerating the pace of innovation, and creating the best economic environment that attracts the most promising projects in the world, exceptional talents, and transformative investments, so that the name of Dubai will always remain a symbol of progress and prosperity.

The achieved results reflect the continued progress towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033, and consolidate its position as a global center for business, investment and innovation.

This achievement comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a preferred global destination for multinational companies, as it maintained first place in the world in attracting new foreign direct investment projects related to establishing regional corporate headquarters for the fourth year in a row, in clear evidence of the growing confidence in the emirate’s ability to support regional and international expansion plans for international companies. The emirate also maintained its global lead in attracting new foreign direct investment projects related to artificial intelligence for the fourth year in a row, which reflects the strength of its growing role as a prominent growth destination. Based on innovation and advanced technologies.

Dubai topped the global rankings in a number of strategic economic sectors, including information technology, communications, electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment and environmental technology. For the first time, Dubai ranked first in the world in foreign direct investment projects in the manufacturing sector, an achievement that highlights the success of the economic diversification process and confirms the emirate’s growing presence in advanced industries in support of the goals of the Dubai D33 Economic Agenda.

Dubai ranked first in the world in transportation and warehousing projects, a new confirmation of its established position globally in the fields of trade, logistics and supply chains.

At the level of industries with high economic impact, Dubai achieved first place globally in the sectors of food and beverages, electronic components, health care, business machinery and equipment, clean technology, metals, and e-commerce.

The importance of this achievement is highlighted by the fact that Dubai is the only destination in the world that has attracted more than 10 new foreign direct investment projects in a number of these sectors, exceeding the minimum global classification, confirming the breadth and diversity of its economic base, and its ability to attract quality investments and maintain the growth momentum in traditional as well as future sectors.

Commenting on this achievement, His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: Dubai’s maintenance of its global leadership in attracting new foreign direct investment projects for the fifth year in a row reflects the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and the emirate’s ability to consolidate its position as a preferred destination for investment and business in the world. This achievement confirms the growing confidence that investors and international companies have in Dubai’s economic environment, and the competitive elements and promising growth opportunities it provides. In light of the changes taking place in global markets, Dubai continues to enhance its investment attractiveness through a flexible and future economic system, supported by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which contributes to attracting more qualitative investments.

His Excellency added: These results confirm the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the extent of harmony and effectiveness of fruitful partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the effectiveness of the clear regulatory framework that continues to attract qualitative investments in vital sectors. These indicators also support achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and confirm the emirate’s position as one of the most flexible investment destinations and the ability to remain steadfast during exceptional times and circumstances in the world.

During the year 2025, Dubai continued to consolidate its position at the forefront of global indicators of foreign direct investment, supported by strong growth in the volume of invested capital and project activity, demonstrating the strength and diversity of its investment system. According to the FDI Markets database, the emirate attracted new foreign direct investments worth 8.83 billion US dollars (32.43 billion dirhams) during the year 2025, and these investments also contributed to the provision of 38,918 job opportunities during the same year, an increase of 18.8 percent compared to 32,754 job opportunities in 2024.

The investment performance during the year witnessed a diversification in investment patterns, with continued momentum in new investment projects, reinvestment, activities supported by venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, in addition to strategic expansion operations.

Dubai has maintained the first place in the world in attracting new foreign direct investment projects for corporate headquarters, and has also succeeded in attracting diverse investments within a wide range of business fields and major economic activities, including business services, construction, retail trade, logistics, distribution, transportation, and manufacturing. This reflects investors’ confidence in Dubai’s ability to meet various operational requirements, including regional headquarters, logistics centers, advanced industries, and consumer-oriented businesses.

This high degree of diversification is particularly important in light of the current global economic environment, as it enhances the flexibility of Dubai’s economy and increases its ability to maintain the momentum of investments within multiple sectors and in diverse business models.

His Excellency Hadi Badri, Executive Director of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: The volume and quality of foreign direct investment flows during 2025 reflect the continued global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth path, and the continued flow of capital investments confirms that investors are moving to strengthen their presence and operational operations in the emirate, rather than adopting short-term strategies, and the quality and diversity of investment flows reflects Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural transformations in the global economy, including headquarters. Home to companies, high-value manufacturing operations, artificial intelligence, financial technology, logistics and creative industries, investors realize that Dubai provides a unique combination that combines flexible regulatory frameworks, advanced digital infrastructure, and the best global competencies and talents, and the pace of investment deals and operational expansion maintains their momentum to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which enhances our expectations for continued acceleration of economic growth during the year 2026 and beyond.

Dubai continues to benefit from its solid economic foundations that firmly support this momentum. The emirate’s annual gross domestic product reached 937 billion dirhams for the year 2025, recording a growth of 5.4 percent, while growth accelerated in the fourth quarter of the same year to 6.4 percent, a clear indication of the continuation of economic expansion despite the continuing fluctuations witnessed in global markets.

Data from the Dubai Foreign Direct Investment Monitor confirmed continued investor confidence, driven by the clear diversity in international source markets, which strengthens the emirate’s position as an investment center linking the entire world. Source markets have diversified across capital flows and project-related activity, indicating a broadening base of investment confidence from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This geographical diversity of investment sources gives Dubai a more established position as a strategic bridge linking East and West, based on a world-class communication infrastructure and reforms. Facilitating trade, all of which are based on a regulatory environment characterized by the highest levels of transparency and continuous updating.

The performance of the sectors also maintained its broad momentum, with strong investment activity that included business services, hotels and tourism, transportation and storage, consumer products, real estate, software and information technology services, and financial services, which confirms the continued momentum in the traditional sectors as well as the economy of the future.

Dubai confirms its ability to transform ambitions into tangible achievements during the remainder of the year 2026 and that it has a clear vision for the coming years. Its supportive policies for investment and the clarity of its strategic direction provide companies and investors with a platform in which opportunities are balanced with stability and long-term vision. Dubai will continue to create an environment that enables companies to expand, allows partnerships to flourish and achieve sustainable value, based on the objectives of the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda.

Dubai has a proven track record in dealing with global economic fluctuations, as it has proven through various crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, its ability to recover quickly and emerge stronger and more competitive. Today, the emirate continues to consolidate its position through its high institutional flexibility, the rapid response of its policies to changes, and the growing confidence it enjoys among investors.

The recently announced AED 2.5 billion economic stimulus package also reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to governance, as this package is designed to relieve financial pressures, enhance liquidity, and support business continuity in key sectors, and includes postponing fees in the hospitality, trade and licensing sectors, extending customs grace periods, and simplifying residence permit procedures, in support of attracting and retaining global talent. These initiatives confirm Dubai’s commitment to maintaining a business environment that enables companies to plan, invest and grow with confidence.

For more information about the foreign direct investment system in Dubai, you can visit the website: www.dubaifdimonitor.ae and

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