Dubai Tops Global FDI Rankings with $11 Billion Inflows and Record Greenfield Projects

According to data from the Financial Times Ltd’s fDi Markets database, Dubai has held the top global ranking for Greenfield projects for eight consecutive reporting periods since H2 2021.

Record-Breaking FDI Performance

643 Greenfield FDI projects were announced in H1 2025 — 478 more than the second-ranked city.
This marks the highest ever recorded for any city worldwide since 2003.
FDI inflows surged 62% year-on-year, up from $6.8 billion in H1 2024.
Announced FDI projects rose 28.7% to 1,090, while job creation jumped 46.7% to 38,433.

Leadership Vision

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, stated that this milestone reflects the visionary strategy set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting Dubai’s role as a global hub for future economies, innovation, and sustainable growth.

He emphasized that the achievement aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three urban economies.

Global Rankings & Sector Leadership

No. 1 globally for headquarters FDI projects (32 HQ projects, up 60% from H1 2024).
No. 2 globally for total Greenfield FDI capital.
No. 3 globally for jobs created.
No. 1 in the Middle East for both FDI capital and job creation.

Dubai also led in key sectors, including:

ICT & Electronics
Creative Industries
Professional Services
Life Sciences
Consumer Goods
Financial Services
Industrial Equipment
Transportation & Warehousing
Environmental Technology

It also topped emerging industries, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Technology (FinTech).

Global Investor Confidence

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said Dubai’s consistent leadership is a reflection of investor trust and the city’s ability to transform investment into innovation and long-term opportunity.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), added that the emirate’s ecosystem continues to attract high-value investments, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for decision-making, technology, and growth sectors of the future.

Source Countries & Leading Sectors

Top 5 source countries (68.7% of inflows):

United States (35%)
United Kingdom (10.6%)
France (8.9%)
India (8.9%)
Saudi Arabia (5.2%)

Leading sectors by FDI capital inflows:

Business Services (30.6%)
Hotels & Tourism (21.3%)
Transportation & Warehousing (7.2%)
Consumer Products (6.6%)
Real Estate (6.3%)

By number of projects:

Business Services (19%)
Consumer Products (16.5%)
Food & Beverages (15%)
Software & IT Services (11%)
Financial Services (6.6%)

Conclusion

With a global market share of 8% and 56% of the Middle East’s total Greenfield projects, Dubai has consolidated its reputation as the preferred hub for international investors, setting new benchmarks in global competitiveness and future-focused economic growth.

Source from ArabianBusiness