Dubai’s FDI Success: A Global Leader
Dubai has been ranked the world’s No.1 destination for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Financial Times Ltd.’s fDi Markets data. In 2024, Dubai attracted AED52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in estimated FDI capital, representing a 33.2% increase from AED39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023. This marks the highest FDI value recorded in a single year for the emirate since 2020.
In 2024, Dubai attracted a record-breaking 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects, the highest ever in its history. The emirate also achieved a historic milestone with 1,826 announced FDI projects, an 11% increase from 1,650 projects in 2023. This resulted in the creation of approximately 58,680 jobs through FDI in 2024, a 31% increase from 44,745 jobs in 2023.
Leadership and Vision
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, stated that Dubai’s emergence as a frontrunner in the global investment landscape has been guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Dubai’s ability to consolidate its status as a leading global destination for FDI reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional value to investors. This success is the result of a strategic vision aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.”
Key Highlights of Dubai’s FDI Performance
- Dubai ranks fourth globally for Greenfield FDI capital and third for jobs created through inward FDI in 2024.
- Ranked No.1 globally for HQ FDI projects for the third consecutive year.
- Top sectors attracting FDI include financial services, AI, real estate, and cybersecurity.
- Major source countries for FDI into Dubai include India, USA, France, and UK.
Transformative Economic Strategies
The 2024 FDI performance underscores the ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, positioning Dubai as a leading global city for business and leisure. With a 6.2% global market share in Greenfield FDI, and 55% of the Middle East’s total Greenfield projects, Dubai sets the benchmark for investment excellence.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), emphasized the confident reception of investors towards Dubai’s ecosystem, which is supported by public-private partnerships and innovative strategies.
Source Countries and Sectoral Breakdown
In 2024, the top five source countries for FDI capital accounted for 63% of the total flows into Dubai:
- India: 21.5%
- USA: 13.7%
- France: 11%
- UK: 10%
- Switzerland: 6.9%
The leading sectors by FDI capital were:
- Hotels and tourism: 14%
- Real estate: 14%
- Software and IT services: 9.2%
- Building materials: 9%
- Financial services: 6.8%
Looking Ahead
The global outlook for FDI remains positive, and Dubai is expected to continue attracting significant investments, particularly in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors. With strong investor interest in long-term assets, Dubai’s favorable regulatory environment will help maintain its attractiveness to investors.
For more information on Dubai’s FDI ecosystem, visit Dubai FDI Monitor and Invest in Dubai.
