TLDR
- 💰 UAE ranks 10th globally for FDI inflows in 2024
- 🚀 Record Dhs167.6bn attracted, up 48% from previous year
- 🌍 Accounts for 37% of all MENA-region FDI
- 🏗️ Second globally for greenfield FDI project announcements
- 💡 Top sectors: IT, renewables, energy, real estate
- 📈 10.5% annual FDI growth rate since 2015
- 🎯 Strategy targets Dhs2.2tn in FDI stock by 2031
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — The UAE secured its position among the world’s top ten destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, attracting a record-breaking Dhs167.6bn ($45.6bn), according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025. This marks a 48% increase from the previous year and underscores the country’s growing role as a global investment hub.
The UAE accounted for 37% of all FDI inflows into the Middle East and North Africa, reaffirming its leadership in the regional investment landscape. “Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
The country also ranked second globally, behind the United States, in the number of greenfield FDI project announcements, launching 1,369 new projects in 2024.
Greenfield growth
While global greenfield project activity slowed to 0.8%, the UAE recorded a 2.8% increase, with capital commitments in greenfield ventures reaching Dhs53.3bn ($14.5bn).
Top-performing sectors included:
- Software & IT services (11.5%)
- Business services (9.7%)
- Renewable energy (9.3%)
- Coal, oil & gas (9%)
- Real estate (7.8%)
The energy sector alone pulled in Dhs4.8bn ($1.3bn) in greenfield investment, supporting the UAE’s strategic ambition to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Since 2015, the UAE has seen FDI grow from Dhs31.6bn ($8.6bn) to Dhs167.6bn in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The country’s cumulative FDI stock stood at $270.6bn by year-end 2024.
Policy reforms driving inflows
Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi credited the surge in capital to pro-business reforms and long-term planning. “The UAE’s investment ecosystem has become a global benchmark for stability, transparency, and ease of doing business,” he noted.
Key enablers include:
- Full foreign ownership of mainland companies
- A globally competitive 9% corporate tax
- Streamlined regulatory and licensing processes
Recent global talent rankings place the UAE fifth worldwide for attracting highly skilled professionals and third for AI talent, based on reports by INSEAD and Stanford.
This talent base supports major digital projects, including a $1.5bn AI partnership between Microsoft and Abu Dhabi’s G42.
National Investment Strategy 2031
The UAE’s National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to double annual FDI inflows and reach a cumulative Dhs2.2tn by 2031. Strategic priorities include advanced manufacturing, clean energy, fintech, and digital infrastructure.
“Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus is crystal clear,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “Development brings stability, and economic growth remains our foremost policy.”
