UAE Ranks 10th Globally in FDI with Record $45.6 B Inflows in 2024

UAE ranks 10th globally for FDI in 2024 with $45.6B in inflows, driven by strong policy, digital growth, and strategic partnerships.

The UAE has secured its position as a top global investment destination, ranking 10th worldwide for inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025. The country attracted a record USD 45.6 billion (AED 167.6 billion) in FDI, underscoring its resilience amid global economic uncertainty.

FDI Accelerates Nearly 50% YoY

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the achievement:

“In an international vote of confidence in the UAE’s economy, the latest report by UNCTAD revealed that the UAE attracted AED 167 billion (USD 45 billion) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48% growth compared to the previous year.”

He added:

“Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced FDI projects. Our next goal is to attract AED 1.3 trillion (USD 354 billion) in FDI over the next six years.”

Despite a global slowdown in greenfield investment, the UAE outperformed with a 2.8% growth, attracting USD 14.5 billion (AED 53.3 billion) across 1,369 new projects, ranking second globally, after the U.S.

Strong Sectoral Pulse

Key sectors drawing foreign capital included:

• Software & IT services – 11.5%
• Business services – 9.7%
• Renewable energy – 9.3%
• Oil & gas – 9.0%
• Real estate – 7.8%

Notably, the energy sector captured USD 1.3 billion (AED 4.8 billion) in greenfield investment, supporting the UAE’s target to triple renewable capacity by 2030.

A Strategic Pivot Toward Global Investment

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, commented:

“Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination.”

He added:

“The UAE’s investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE’s position as a leading global FDI destination.”

From $8.6 B to $45.6 B: A Decade of Growth

Annual FDI inflows have surged from USD 8.6 billion (AED 31.6 billion) in 2015 to USD 45.6 billion in 2024. Total FDI stock stands at USD 270.6 billion, reflecting a 10.5% CAGR over the past decade.

The UAE’s competitive landscape features:

• 100% foreign ownership of mainland firms
• Competitive 9% corporate tax rate
• Streamlined licensing and permitting
• Robust legal frameworks (e.g., DIAC arbitration)
• Ranked 5th globally for skilled talent (INSEAD Index)
• 3rd in AI talent attraction (Stanford AI Index)

The country has also inked 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties to deepen global engagement.

The UAE’s ambition to lead in AI and digital infrastructure is underscored by flagship initiatives like the USD 1.5 billion joint venture between Microsoft and G42.