Dubai has retained its status as the world's leading destination for greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year.
In 2024, the emirate reached a record high, attracting UAE Dh52.3 billion (US$14.24 billion), up 33% from 2023. The growth was the strongest since 2020, reinforcing the emirate's status as a global investment hub.
According to the Dubai FDI Monitor, the city attracted 1,117 new projects in 2024, an all-time high. In addition, 1,826 projects were announced, an 11% increase on 2023. These investments created approximately 58,680 new jobs, an increase of 31% from 2023.
Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that Dubai's success is due to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Dubai's ability to consistently maintain its leadership in attracting foreign direct investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional value to global investors," said the Crown Prince.
Dubai is implementing a strategy in line with its D33 economic agenda, which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033 and make it one of the world's top three economic megacities. The emirate moved from fifth to fourth place in the world in the Greenfield FDI Capital Raising Index. Dubai ranked third in the number of jobs created by foreign investment. The emirate continues to lead the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in terms of investment and new projects.
Meanwhile, Dubai ranked first in terms of HQ investment for the third consecutive year, demonstrating the city's attractiveness as a global business hub.
According to fDi Markets, Dubai leads the world in the number of greenfield FDI projects in areas such as consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, transport and logistics, hotels and tourism, real estate, financial services and artificial intelligence.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the emirate's economic success was due to public-private partnerships, an innovative environment and strategic planning.
Dubai's strong economic fundamentals, diversification and commitment to technology make it an ideal investment destination, Almarri stressed.
In 2024, the top five investor countries accounted for 63 per cent of total FDI in Dubai:
- India - 21.5%
- USA - 13.7%
- France - 11%
- UK - 10%.
- Switzerland - 6.9%
The main sectors of investment were
- Hotels and tourism - 14%
- Real estate - 14%
- Software and IT services - 9.2%
Despite global economic challenges, Dubai maintains a positive outlook for attracting foreign investment. The emirate continues to strengthen its flexible regulatory framework, develop the digital economy and create a favourable business environment.