UAE Ranks 10th Globally for FDI in 2024, Attracts Record Dhs167.6 Billion
With Dhs167.6 billion in FDI and a top-10 global ranking, the UAE accelerates its path to becoming the Middle East’s premier investment destination through strategic reforms, innovation, and talent-driven growth.
Driven by investor-friendly reforms and sectoral growth, the UAE cements its leadership in the MENA region, targeting Dhs2.2 trillion in FDI by 2031.
UAE Achieves Record FDI Growth, Reinforces Global Investment Leadership
The United Arab Emirates has been ranked 10th globally in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows for 2024, attracting a record Dhs167.6 billion ($45.6 billion), according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025. This represents a remarkable 48% increase from the previous year, underscoring the country’s enduring appeal as a global investment hub.
The UAE now accounts for a commanding 37% of all FDI inflows into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), further solidifying its position as the region’s top destination for international capital. “Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Leading the Way in Greenfield Projects
In a year marked by global economic uncertainty, the UAE demonstrated resilience with a 2.8% growth in greenfield FDI projects, outpacing the global average of 0.8%. With 1,369 new greenfield projects launched in 2024, the UAE ranked second globally—just behind the United States—in this vital indicator of economic expansion.
Greenfield project capital reached Dhs53.3 billion ($14.5 billion), fueled by investments across high-potential sectors:
Software & IT services – 11.5% of total value
Business services – 9.7%
Renewable energy – 9.3%
Coal, oil & gas – 9%
Real estate – 7.8%
The energy sector alone brought in Dhs4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) in greenfield FDI, aligning with national sustainability goals to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Long-Term Growth and Investor Confidence
Since 2015, the UAE’s annual FDI inflows have grown from Dhs31.6 billion ($8.6 billion) to Dhs167.6 billion, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. By the end of 2024, the nation’s cumulative FDI stock reached an impressive $270.6 billion.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, credited the success to strategic reforms and a forward-looking policy approach. “The UAE’s investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business,” Alsuwaidi said.
The UAE’s strong FDI performance is bolstered by its ability to attract top-tier talent. The country ranks 5th globally for highly skilled professionals and 3rd in AI talent, according to INSEAD and Stanford University. This knowledge economy supports landmark initiatives such as the $1.5 billion AI joint venture between Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based G42.
Vision 2031: Doubling Down on Investment
The UAE’s National Investment Strategy 2031 sets a bold target to double annual FDI inflows and achieve Dhs2.2 trillion in cumulative FDI by the end of the decade. The plan focuses on high-growth industries including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, financial services, and information technology.
“Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.”
With a combination of visionary leadership, structural reform, and global investor confidence, the UAE is poised to remain a beacon of economic opportunity in an increasingly complex global landscape.
