Dubai ranked world’s top destination for attracting Greenfield FDI for fourth successive year

Hamdan bin Mohammed: Dubai’s emergence as a frontrunner in the global investment landscape has been inspired and guided by Mohammed bin Rashid’s leadership “This success is the result of a strategic vision that keeps pace with global economic and technological transformations, aligned with the ambitious objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33” Historic milestone: Total estimated FDI capital surged by 33.2%, the highest single-year value recorded since 2020, according to Financial Times Ltd.’s ‘fDi Markets’ data In 2024, Dubai attracted a record-breaking 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects – highest in emirate’s history Dubai ranks fourth globally in Greenfield FDI capital and third globally in jobs created through inward FDI in 2024 – up from fifth and fourth positions respectively in 2023 City is ranked No.1 globally for HQ FDI projects for third consecutive year Helal Almarri: The influx of new capital underscores the confidence that investors, multinational corporations, and global talent place in our resilient ecosystem Dubai is top destination for attracting Advanced Information Technologies (AIT) related FDI projects, with 8% global share Leader in key sectors: financial services, AI, real estate, and cybersecurity India, USA, France and UK top source countries for FDI into Dubai FDI performance reflects the strategic objectives and continued momentum of economic growth generated by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 Dubai has been ranked the world’s No.1 destination for Greenfield Foreign Direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth successive 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, a 33.2% increase from AED39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023, marking the highest FDI value ever recorded in a single year for the emirate since 2020. Dubai attracted a record-breaking 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects in 2024, the highest in its history. Dubai also achieved a historic milestone in FDI attraction with 1,826 announced FDI projects, an 11% increase from 1,650 projects in 2023, according to DET’s Dubai FDI Monitor. This marks the highest number of total announced FDI projects ever recorded by the emirate. A total of 58,680 estimated jobs were generated through FDI in 2024, a 31% increase from 44,745 jobs in 2023. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said Dubai’s emergence as a frontrunner in the global investment landscape has been inspired and 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 steadily consolidate its status as a leading global destination for foreign direct investment reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional value to investors worldwide. The city’s ranking as the world’s No.1 destination for attracting Greenfield FDI for the fourth consecutive year 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 in response to changes sweeping the international market. This success is the result of a strategic vision that keeps pace with economic and technological transformations, aligned with the ambitious objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and establish it as one of the world’s top three urban economies." His Highness further said: "This latest FDI rankings across key areas mark yet another key milestone in Dubai’s development journey. Even amid economic headwinds elsewhere, Dubai continues to rise as a global magnet for investment, enterprise, and talent, offering stability, world-class infrastructure, and a dynamic business environment. We remain committed to fostering a culture of innovation, enhancing economic competitiveness, and building an exceptional ecosystem that empowers businesses and investors to achieve growth and prosperity. Driven by our bold aspirations, we are resolute in strengthening Dubai’s position as the city of the future and a global hub for the brightest minds and most pioneering enterprises." Dubai’s forward-looking strategies have transformed the emirate into a global hub for FDI, with the city’s attractive business environment, favourable regulations, infrastructure, and strategic location making it a preferred destination for investors. In 2024, the city was ranked fourth globally for attracting Greenfield FDI capital, up from fifth position in 2023, while also claiming the top spot in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, marking a significant leap in its investment appeal, according to the Financial Times Ltd’s ‘fDi Markets’ data. The city also advanced from fourth to third globally in terms of jobs created thr