UAE FDI Inflows Hit $45.6B in 2024 | Ranked 10th Globally for Investment

The UAE ranked 10th globally for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and 2nd globally in the number of newly announced greenfield FDI projects in 2024. These rankings were announced in the recently published United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 and the UAE Foreign Direct Investment Report 2025.

In detail, the UAE brought in a record AED 167.6 billion ($45.6 billion) in FDI inflows in 2024, representing a 48% increase year-on-year. This amount represented 37% of all FDI inflows into the Middle East and North Africa.

“The UAE accounted for 37 per cent of all foreign direct investment inflows into the region. Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE,” said Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai in a statement.

From 2015 up to 2024, annual FDI inflows to the UAE rose from AED 31.6 billion ($8.6 billion) to AED 167.6 billion ($45.6 billion), representing a 10.5% compound annual growth. Furthermore, cumulative FDI stock in the UAE reached AED 994.9 billion ($270.6 billion) to date.

“Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment.

“The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors’ needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital,” he continued.

Remarkable Growth in Greenfield FDI Projects

Similarly, the UAE achieved a remarkable growth of 2.8% in greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 projects launched in 2024, reaching a total capital of AED 53.3 billion ($14.5 billion). Despite a global slowdown in greenfield FDI project growth to 0.8%, the UAE solidified its position as a key destination for FDIs, ranking 2nd globally after the US.

Key economic sectors in the UAE demonstrated strong performance, resulting in the growth of greenfield FDI projects in the country. The contributing UAE FDI sectors in 2024 included:

Software and IT services (11.5% of total greenfield project value)
Business services (9.7%)
Renewable energy (9.3%)
Coal, Oil, and Gas (9%)
Real Estate (7.8%)

In terms of the UAE’s renewable energy investment, this sector alone attracted AED 4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) in greenfield FDI, contributing to the UAE’s national goal to triple renewable energy production capacity by 2030.

The UAE’s Strategies and Goals for the Future

The UAE’s National Investment Strategy (NIS) 2031 aims to double annual FDI inflows to a cumulative AED 2.2 trillion by 2031. “Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE’s position as a leading global FDI destination,” said Alsuwaidi.

He continued, “We provide a clear pathway to drive sustainable growth, double investment opportunities, diversify priority sectors, and open new horizons for global companies seeking innovation and expansion in future markets.”

His Highness Shaikh Maktoum echoed similar sentiments: “Our next goal is to attract Dh1.3 trillion in foreign direct investment over the next six years, God willing.”

“Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.”