UAE sees $45.6bn foreign direct investment in 2024, targets massive $354bn inflow
The UAE has been named the world's 10th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, drawing in AED167.6bn ($45.6bn) in inflows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025.
This marks a 48 per cent increase year-on-year, cementing the country's status as a global magnet for capital, particularly across strategic sectors. The UAE also accounted for 37 per cent of all FDI inflows into the Middle East region in 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai said: 'In an international vote of confidence in the UAE's economy, the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UAE attracted AED167b ($45bn) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48 per cent growth compared to the previous year.'
UAE foreign direct investment
'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. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced foreign direct investment projects.
'Our next goal is to attract AED1.3tn ($354bn) in foreign direct investment over the next six years.
'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.'
The UAE also ranked second globally—after the United States—for the number of newly announced greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 new initiatives valued at AED53.3bn ($14.5bn).
In contrast to a global slowdown in greenfield project growth (0.8 per cent), the UAE achieved 2.8 per cent growth.
The top sectors for greenfield FDI in 2024 included:
Software and IT services: 11.5 per cent
Business services: 9.7 per cent
Renewable energy: 9.3 per cent
Oil, gas, and coal: 9 per cent
Real estate: 7.8 per cent
The energy sector alone attracted AED4.8bn ($1.3bn), supporting the UAE's target to triple renewable capacity by 2030.
The UAE's cumulative FDI stock reached $270.6bn in 2024, driven by a 10.5 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2015, when inflows stood at AED31.6bn ($8.6bn).
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, said: '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.
'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.
'The UAE's investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE's position as a leading global FDI destination.
'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.'
The National Investment Strategy targets AED2.2tn ($599bn) in cumulative FDI by 2031, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, financial services and information technology.
The United Arab Emirates investment climate is bolstered by:
Full foreign ownership in mainland companies
A competitive 9 per cent corporate tax rate
Streamlined licensing processes
Legal frameworks like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre
Its global appeal is reinforced by 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties.
In talent attraction, the United Arab Emirates ranks fifth globally (INSEAD's Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2024) and third in attracting AI talent (Stanford University's AI Index 2024).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudi bank credit records annual growth of over $118.13bln by end of April 2025
RIYADH — Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia reached SR3,126,381 million (over SR3.126 trillion) by the end of April 2025, according to the monthly statistical bulletin issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for April. This marks an annual growth of 16.5 percent and an increase of more than SR443.018 billion compared to the same period in 2024, when bank credit stood at SR2.683 trillion. Quarterly, bank credit continued to rise at all levels, recording a growth of five percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, increasing by SR146.411 billion. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, bank credit had grown from over SR2.955 trillion to over SR3.101 trillion. On a monthly basis, bank credit recorded a growth of 0.8 percent, rising by SR24.420 billion, compared to March 2025, when it stood at SR3,101,961 million. Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors was distributed across more than 17 diverse economic activities, serving as a key driver in achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth and contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. According to SAMA data, long-term credit (for over three years) accounted for 49 percent of total bank credit, valued at over SR1.524 trillion. Short-term credit (less than one year) represented 36 percent, amounting to over SR1.135 trillion. Medium-term credit (from one to three years) comprised about 15 percent, totaling SR465.937 billion. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
Number of visitors to Madinah jumps 18.7% in 3 years, reaching 18mln in 2024
MADINAH - The tourism sector in Madinah has witnessed significant growth of 18.7 percent in visitor numbers over the past three years, receiving more than 18 million visitors in 2024, compared with 14.1 million in 2023 and 8.2 million in 2022. According to a report issued on Wednesday by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, activities related to accommodation, travel agencies, and tour operations recorded an 18.7 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The report highlighted the sector's vital role in supporting economic growth and increasing the gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism spending on lodging, transportation, shopping, and other services, while also creating job opportunities in tourism-related activities and contributing to sustainable economic diversification. The chamber report outlined the key assets of Madinah's tourism sector, noting that the city is home to around 400 religious, historical, and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from across the globe. These include the Prophet's Mosque, major historic mosques, various museums and exhibitions, modern tourist destinations, and restored historical sites open to the public, such as valleys, wells, and archaeological locations—forming a major driver for tourism development in the region. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudi: Industrial cities in Qassim operate at 77% capacity
BURAIDAH — Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry Affairs Eng. Khalil bin Salamah has revealed that industrial cities in Qassim operate at 77% capacity, which is a healthy rate and evidence of the existence of a stimulating environment. There are a total of 158 factories in Qassim's industrial cities. The value of industrial investments in the region during the first quarter of 2025 amounts to SR700 million, with Buraidah owning the largest share. Bin Salamah made the remarks during a meeting organized by Qassim Chamber of Commerce, which brought together investors in the region's industrial sector to highlight key ministerial services and programs and discuss the sector's aspirations for continued development and investment growth. The meeting was held at the chamber's headquarters in Buraidah. The meeting addressed a number of topics related to the industrial sector, including standard incentives for the sector, which enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia. The meeting also discussed the environment of industrial facilities and presented solutions to help raise efficiency and quality. It also included a review of the Future Factories Program, an introduction to it, and the process of converting these factories to adopt modern manufacturing practices, automation, and digitalization, which directly contributes to the development of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia in general. The meeting also included a review of the "Industry Links" program of the General Administration of Localization and Local Content, which connects manufacturers with major projects to achieve the goals of the national strategy for increasing local content. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
