Dubai tops greenfield FDI ranking for fifth consecutive year
Dubai has once again secured its position as the world's leading destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top, according to the Financial Times' fDi Markets database. The emirate recorded one of its strongest investment performances in 2025, attracting 1,253 announced greenfield FDI projects, a 10.5 percent increase compared to 2024. Dubai also achieved a record 7 percent share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in its history.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said Dubai's continued success reflects the confidence global investors place in its economy, institutions, and future-focused vision. He highlighted that the achievement is the result of long-term strategies built on innovation, connectivity, strategic partnerships, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.
Strategic Sectors Drive Investment Growth
Dubai continued to strengthen its reputation as a preferred destination for multinational companies and emerging industries.
Key Achievements in 2025
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Ranked No.1 globally for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year
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Maintained global leadership in artificial intelligence-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth year in a row
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Secured No.1 rankings in ICT and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, financial services, consumer goods, and environmental technology
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Achieved the No.1 global position in manufacturing FDI projects for the first time
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Retained top position in transportation and warehousing projects worldwide
Dubai also led globally in sectors such as food and beverages, healthcare, electronic components, cleantech, metals, business equipment, and e-commerce, demonstrating the strength and diversity of its economy.
Record Capital Inflows and Job Creation
Dubai attracted $8.83 billion (Dh32.43 billion) in greenfield FDI capital during 2025, highlighting strong investor confidence despite global economic challenges. The growth in investment activity also contributed significantly to employment creation across the emirate.
Investment Highlights
Greenfield FDI capital reached $8.83 billion in 2025
Nearly 38,918 jobs were created through greenfield FDI projects
Employment growth increased by 18.8 percent compared to 2024
Strong activity was recorded across greenfield projects, reinvestments, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and strategic expansions
Diverse Global Investor Confidence
According to Dubai FDI Monitor data, investment continued to flow from a broad range of international markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. This diversity reinforces Dubai's position as a global investment hub connecting East and West through world-class infrastructure, advanced logistics, and a transparent regulatory environment.
Strong investment activity was recorded across business services, tourism and hospitality, transportation and warehousing, real estate, software and IT services, consumer products, and financial services.
Dubai's Economy Continues to Expand
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said the quality and scale of investment inflows demonstrate investors' long-term commitment to Dubai's growth story. He noted that companies are increasingly expanding their operational presence rather than making short-term investments.
Dubai's annual GDP reached Dh937 billion in 2025, reflecting growth of 5.4 percent, while fourth-quarter growth accelerated to 6.4 percent, underlining the emirate's resilience and sustained economic expansion.
Conclusion
Dubai Sets Another Milestone with Fifth Consecutive No.1 FDI Ranking. The achievement highlights the emirate's growing influence as a global investment, innovation, and business hub while supporting the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
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