Dubai’s Record-Breaking FDI Performance in H1 2025
In the first half of 2025, Dubai achieved a remarkable milestone by attracting 643 Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects. This figure is not only a significant increase—478 more than the second-ranked city—but also marks the highest number recorded globally since tracking began in 2003. This achievement underscores Dubai’s growing prominence as a global investment hub.
Visionary Leadership Driving Growth
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the ambitious vision set forth by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He stated, “The strength and resilience of Dubai’s economy continues to inspire confidence among global investors in its ability to reimagine the future and unlock emerging global technological trends and sustainable sectors.”
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages sustained growth. He noted that the emirate actively engages with innovative ideas and sectors that aim to elevate living standards both locally and globally. This achievement aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position it among the top three urban economies worldwide.
Impressive FDI Inflows and Job Creation
According to data from the Dubai FDI Monitor, published by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), estimated FDI inflows reached AED 40.4 billion (approximately $11 billion) in H1 2025. This represents a 62% increase from AED 24.7 billion ($6.8 billion) in the same period the previous year. The total number of announced FDI projects also rose by 28.7% year-on-year, reaching 1,090. Notably, the number of jobs created surged by 46.7%, totaling 38,433 compared to 26,202 in H1 2024.
Dubai has climbed to second place globally for total Greenfield FDI capital, up from fourth place in H1 2024, and ranks third for jobs created. Additionally, the emirate has maintained its position as the leading city in the Middle East for both metrics.
Leading in Headquarters and Emerging Sectors
Dubai secured the top global ranking for headquarters FDI projects, with numbers increasing by 60% from 20 in H1 2024 to 32 in H1 2025. The emirate also excelled in various sectors, including:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Creative Industries
- Professional Services
- Life Sciences
- Consumer Goods
- Financial Services
- Industrial Equipment
- Transportation and Warehousing
- Environmental Technology
Moreover, Dubai led in emerging categories such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Technology (FinTech). With an 8% global market share and a commanding 56% share of the Middle East’s total Greenfield projects, Dubai has solidified its status as a preferred destination for international investors.
Resilience and Strategic Vision
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, remarked on Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting FDI over eight consecutive reporting periods. He attributed this success to the strategic vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and highlighted the city’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global economic changes. Almarri noted that this performance reflects the trust that international investors and multinational corporations continue to place in Dubai.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), echoed these sentiments, stating that Dubai’s achievements are a testament to the strength of its ecosystem and the long-term collaboration between government and business. He emphasized that the emirate’s success in attracting headquarters projects reinforces its role as a global hub for decision-making and growth.
Key Source Countries and Sectors
The top five source countries accounted for 68.7% of FDI inflows into Dubai. The United States led with 35%, followed by the United Kingdom (10.6%), France (8.9%), India (8.9%), and Saudi Arabia (5.2%). In terms of announced projects, the UK also led with 16.2%, followed closely by the United States and India, each at 14.9%.
Leading sectors by FDI capital included:
- Business Services: 30.6%
- Hotels and Tourism: 21.3%
- Transportation and Warehousing: 7.2%
- Consumer Products: 6.6%
- Real Estate: 6.3%
By the number of projects, business services again led with 19%, followed by consumer products (16.5%) and food and beverages (15%). This diversity illustrates Dubai’s capability to meet a wide range of operational needs, reinforcing its global appeal and resilience in the investment landscape.
