The UAE secured AED167.6 billion ($45.6 billion) in foreign direct investment during 2024 — a remarkable 48% year-on-year increase — ranking 10th globally and first among GCC nations, according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025. The figure represents 37% of all FDI flowing into the Middle East, cementing the UAE's status as the region's premier investment hub.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, described the milestone as "a vote of confidence in the economy model of the UAE." He simultaneously revealed the country's next FDI target: AED1.3 trillion ($354 billion) by 2030.
UAE Ranks Second Globally for Greenfield FDI Projects
Beyond total inflows, the UAE claimed second place worldwide for newly announced greenfield FDI projects, trailing only the United States. A total of 1,369 projects worth AED53.3 billion ($14.5 billion) were announced during 2024. Notably, the UAE posted 2.8% growth in greenfield projects at a time when global greenfield activity expanded by just 0.8% — demonstrating the country's ability to attract high-quality, job-creating investment even in a challenging global environment.
Top Sectors Driving UAE Foreign Direct Investment
The leading sectors by share of greenfield FDI in 2024 were:
- Software & IT services: 11.5% - Business services: 9.7% - Renewable energy: 9.3% - Oil, gas & coal: 9.0%
The UAE's total FDI stock now stands at approximately $270.6 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% since 2015.
Why Investors Choose the UAE
Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi attributed the strong performance to a business-friendly ecosystem built on several pillars: full foreign ownership rights, a competitive 9% corporate tax rate, streamlined business licensing procedures, and more than 120 bilateral investment treaties that provide legal certainty for international investors.
National Investment Strategy 2031 Sets Long-Term Roadmap
Underpinning these ambitions is the UAE's National Investment Strategy 2031, which targets growth across advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and financial services. The country continues to strengthen its global competitiveness through talent attraction, innovation-friendly policies, and high-profile technology partnerships — including the $1.5 billion Microsoft and G42 AI joint venture.
With political stability, a diversified economy, and relentless policy reform, the UAE remains one of the world's most attractive destinations for sustainable, high-impact investment.
