According to data from the Financial Times' "fDi Markets," Dubai has retained its position as the number one global destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year.
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03-10, 2025In 2024, Dubai attracted approximately AED 52.3 billion (approximately $14.24 billion USD) in foreign direct investment capital, a 33.2% increase from AED 39.26 billion (approximately $10.69 billion USD) in 2023. This marks the highest single-year FDI amount recorded by the Emirate of Dubai since 2020.
Dubai attracted a record 1,117 greenfield foreign direct investment projects in 2024, the highest level in history. According to the Dubai FDI Monitor report from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the total number of announced FDI projects in Dubai also reached a historic high of 1,826, an 11% increase from the 1,650 projects in 2023. In 2024, FDI is projected to have created 58,680 jobs, a 31% increase from the 44,745 jobs in 2023.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, stated: "Dubai's ability to steadily consolidate its position as a leading global FDI destination reflects its commitment to providing exceptional value to global investors. Dubai's fourth consecutive year as the top global destination for greenfield FDI is a testament to its ability not only to set new global benchmarks for sustained rapid growth but also to continuously evolve its investment proposition to meet the changing dynamics of international markets."
Dubai's forward-looking strategies have transformed the Emirate into a global hub for foreign direct investment. Dubai's attractive business environment, favorable regulations, infrastructure, and strategic location make it a preferred destination for investors. According to data from the Financial Times' "fDi Markets," Dubai ranked fourth globally in attracting greenfield FDI capital in 2024, up from fifth place in 2023, while also topping the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, marking a significant leap in its investment attractiveness.
Regarding the types of investment in Dubai's FDI projects, new forms of investment (NFIs) achieved an impressive growth of 23%, reflecting investors' increasing confidence in innovative capital allocation methods, while reinvestments surged by 98%, highlighting investors' continued confidence and business expansion within the Emirate. Venture capital-backed FDI grew by 39%, solidifying Dubai's position as a thriving hub for startups and high-growth companies, while mergers and acquisitions (M&A) grew by 8%, indicating a strong interest in strategic partnerships and market integration.
The Dubai FDI Monitor report shows that in 2024, the top five source countries for FDI capital accounted for 63% of the total estimated flows into Dubai. India was the largest source country, contributing the highest total FDI capital to Dubai, accounting for 21.5%, followed by the United States (13.7%), France (11%), the United Kingdom (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%). In terms of the total number of FDI projects flowing into Dubai, the top five source countries accounted for nearly 55%, with the United Kingdom (17%) leading the way, followed by India (15%), the United States (14%), France (4.5%), and Italy (4%).
In 2024, the top five sectors accounted for 53% of the total FDI capital flowing into Dubai, and the top five sectors by FDI projects accounted for 68% of the total announced FDI projects. The leading sectors by FDI capital were hotels and tourism (14%), real estate (14%), software and IT services (9.2%), construction materials (9%), and financial services (6.8%). In terms of FDI projects, the top-ranked sectors were business services (19.2%), food and beverage (16.5%), software and IT services (14.3%), textiles (9.6%), and consumer goods (8.3%).
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), stated: "The influx of new capital underscores the confidence of investors, multinational corporations, and global talent in our resilient ecosystem, which is underpinned by the spirit of public-private partnerships and the transformative goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Looking ahead, Dubai remains committed to setting new benchmarks in global competitiveness through forward-looking regulations, cost-effective energy solutions, and strategic global partnerships, and we will continue to build an ecosystem that empowers businesses to thrive. Our focus on innovation, startup incubation, and a digital-first infrastructure ensures that Dubai will remain the preferred destination for those seeking growth, opportunity, and success in the global economy. Together, we are shaping a city that is the best in the world to visit, live, work, and invest in."
