UAE attracts $45.6 billion in FDI in 2024, ranks in world's top 10
The UAE ranked among the world's top 10 destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, as inflows surged by nearly 49 per cent to reach $45.6 billion (Dh167.6 billion), up from $30.68 billion the previous year, according to a United Nations report.
The World Investment Report 2025, released on Thursday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), revealed that the UAE climbed from 13th place in 2023 to 10th place in the latest global ranking.
The UAE accounted for a dominant 55.6 per cent of total FDI inflows into the Middle East, which received $82.08 billion in 2024 – an increase from $78.39 billion the previous year. Other major recipients in the region included Saudi Arabia ($15.73 billion), Türkiye ($10.59 billion), and Oman ($8.68 billion).
'A strong rebound of flows in the UAE helped lift sub-regional figures, even as flows to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries declined,' the UN report stated.
The UAE's outward FDI also saw moderate growth, rising by 4.8 per cent to reach $23.4 billion in 2024.
Globally, FDI rose marginally by four per cent to $1.51 trillion, up from $1.45 trillion in the previous year. However, UNCTAD noted that this figure was inflated by volatile flows through conduit economies. When adjusted for these factors, global FDI declined by 11 per cent – marking the second consecutive year of decline.
'Productive FDI fell by 11 per cent in 2024, continuing a downward trend,' warned UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. 'This is not just a downturn – it's a pattern.'
Despite the overall decline, the United States remained the largest global recipient of FDI and led in both greenfield project announcements and international project finance (IPF) deals. Other top destinations included Brazil, Egypt, the UAE, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Greenfield investment activity was especially strong in India and the UAE, while IPF deals were concentrated in a few mature markets and large emerging economies, the report added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
35 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update
UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news below and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Etihad suspends some UAE flights In its most recent travel update Etihad shared details of extended flight suspensions on key routes. It said: 'Due to the ongoing airspace closures and the regional situation, Etihad has suspended all flights between: Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including June 30 Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Amman (AMM) until and including June 20 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. 'Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains an evolving situation, and further changes or disruptions may occur. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. 'The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused'. Etihad also stated that flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Beirut, (BEY) will be operating on June 21 with the following flights on a revised flight schedule for operational reasons: EY581: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10am, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 1.10pm EY582: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 2.05pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at EY583: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 2pm, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 5.05pm EY584: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 6pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10.55pm Air Arabia suspends some UAE flights Air Arabia extended the suspension of flights to various locations until up to June 30. The prolonged suspension applies to flights from the UAE to at least seven countries. Air Arabia said: 'Due to the current situation and airspace closures, Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Friday, June 20 'Several other flights are experiencing delays or rerouting as a result. Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further update. flydubai suspends some UAE flights Dubai's flydubai joined other airlines in extending flight suspensions. A statement from the carrier revealed an adjusted suspension timetable. Flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. 'Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. Emirates suspends some UAE flights Emirates is still listing suspended flights on its website, with continued disruption to Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq journeys. The travel update from the Dubai carrier said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut), until and including Sunday, June 22 Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday, June 30 'Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon; and customers with onwards flydubai connections to suspended destinations will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice'. The airline added that customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their travel agency for rebooking. Customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport were advised to check their flight status on for the latest information. Emirates said: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'.
Arabian Business
35 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar's economy to grow 6.5 per cent by 2027 on LNG expansion: World Bank
Qatar's economy is set to accelerate significantly over the next two years, with growth projected to rise from 2.4 per cent in 2025 to an average of 6.5 per cent in 2026–2027, according to the World Bank's Gulf Economic Update. The sharp rise in growth will be driven primarily by the North Field LNG expansion, which is expected to boost Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output by 40 per cent, transforming the country's hydrocarbon sector performance. While hydrocarbon growth is expected to remain modest at 0.9 per cent in 2025, the World Bank anticipates a major turnaround once the new LNG capacity comes online, cementing Qatar's position as a global energy leader. Qatar economic growth In parallel, non-hydrocarbon sectors such as education, tourism, and services continue to show strong momentum, supported by infrastructure investment and international partnerships. This diversification effort is central to Qatar's long-term economic vision. Key insights from the World Bank report: Qatar's economic growth: 2.4 per cent in 2025, rising to 6.5 per cent in 2026–2027 Gulf-wide GDP: Projected to reach 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 4.5 per cent in 2026 Non-oil growth across the GCC: Driven by structural reforms, investment, and private sector activity 2024 regional growth: Improved to 1.7 per cent, up from just 0.3 per cent in 2023 Despite the upbeat forecast, the World Bank cautioned that global trade tensions and potential economic slowdown remain risks for Gulf economies. To safeguard future prosperity, it urged continued focus on economic diversification, innovation, and youth job creation. Division Director for the GCC countries at the World Bank Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali said: 'The resilience of GCC countries in navigating global uncertainties while advancing economic diversification underscores their strong commitment to long-term prosperity. 'Strategic fiscal policies, targeted investments, and a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation for youth are essential to sustaining growth and stability'.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: OMODA & JAECOO, Galadari Brothers open landmark showroom in Fujairah
OMODA & JAECOO, in collaboration with their Northern Emirates dealer, the Mobility Division of Galadari Brothers, proudly marked the grand opening of their brand-new showroom in Fujairah on June 12. The prestigious event highlighted the brands' commitment to expanding their footprint across the UAE and strengthening their presence in the Northern Emirates. The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished guest list, including VIPs, senior leadership from Galadari Brothers and OMODA & JAECOO, prominent influencers, and customers from across the region. Guests were offered an exclusive first look at the state-of-the-art facility, showcasing a full range of OMODA & JAECOO's latest models. With this launch, Fujairah becomes home to the second showroom under the Galadari Brothers partnership in the Northern Emirates, following Ras Al Khaimah. Plans are already underway for the opening of a third showroom in Sharjah, underscoring the brands' aggressive growth strategy in the region. The showroom itself is designed to serve as a hub for automotive enthusiasts, offering a futuristic and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the dynamic line-up, including the OMODA C5, JAECOO J7, J8, and the anticipated new energy vehicles, all in a setting that prioritises innovation and personalised customer service. Shawn Xu, Chief Executive Officer of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, commented: "The opening of our Fujairah showroom marks a significant step forward in our journey to bring cutting-edge mobility to every corner of the UAE. Together with Galadari Brothers, we are committed to offering not just advanced vehicles but an elevated ownership experience that resonates with the lifestyle and aspirations of today's customer." Axel Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer of the Mobility Division of Galadari Brothers, added: "This showroom is a testament to our dedication to offering customers in the Northern Emirates access to world-class vehicles and aftersales service. Our partnership with OMODA & JAECOO reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth in the UAE automotive sector." The event also featured interactive demonstrations, networking opportunities, and vehicle showcases, giving guests a hands-on experience with the technology and design that define the OMODA & JAECOO brand. As the automotive market in the UAE continues to evolve, the opening of this showroom cements the position of OMODA & JAECOO as key players in delivering innovation, style, and sustainable mobility to customers in the region.
