In a testament to its robust economic resilience and strategic global positioning, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed a significant surge in foreign investments, with total assets soaring to an impressive $2.5 trillion as of early 2024. The latest report from the Emirates News Agency (WAM) underscores the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering high-value, sustainable projects aimed at bolstering future generations.
Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council (UAEIIC), emphasized the UAE’s ascendancy in the global economic landscape, citing the nation’s top ranking in the Arab region and West Asia, along with its noteworthy 15th position globally. Al Jarwan highlighted the UAE’s remarkable prowess in identifying and capitalizing on new investment opportunities, securing its standing as a formidable force in the international investment arena.
Diving into the specifics, Al Jarwan shed light on key investment destinations, with the United States emerging as the top recipient of foreign investments, attracting substantial amounts in bonds and direct investments. Notably, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and India also featured prominently, each drawing significant investment inflows.
The breadth of the UAE’s investment footprint spans across 90 countries, encompassing diverse regions such as India, Indonesia, ASEAN countries, Egypt, Morocco, Central Asia, as well as several European nations including Britain, France, Germany, and Eastern European countries like Serbia, Greece, and Turkey. This expansive global reach underscores the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its investment portfolio and tapping into emerging markets with promising growth prospects.
Examining the distribution of investments, Al Jarwan highlighted the pivotal role played by the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, particularly the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), alongside entities like Mubadala Investment Company, Investment Corporation of Dubai, Emirates Investment Authority, and ADQ. These funds accounted for a substantial 72% share of all overseas investments, reflecting their significant influence in driving the UAE’s investment agenda on the global stage.
Moreover, Al Jarwan outlined recent landmark deals that have further solidified the UAE’s position as a leading player in the global investment landscape. From high-profile acquisitions in sectors ranging from technology to oil and gas, notable deals include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) strategic stake acquisition in Austrian firm OMV AG, and UAE technology group e&’s substantial investment in UK-based Vodafone Group.
Among these noteworthy transactions, Al Jarwan highlighted the emergence of Ras Al-Hikma, a monumental deal valued at $35 billion, underscoring the UAE’s unwavering commitment to forging strategic partnerships and driving cross-border investments.
As the UAE continues to chart its path towards sustainable economic growth and diversification, its formidable foreign investment prowess stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation on the global stage.
