Why the UAE

Foreign Direct Investment in the UAE

According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, foreign direct investment into the UAE reached US$48.2 billion in 2025, up from US$45.6 billion in 2024 and more than double the US$22.7 billion of 2022.

Updated October 2026 · Figures checked 21 October 2026

FDI inflows, 2025: US$48.2bn¹; FDI inflows, 2025
Inward FDI stock, 2025: US$318.9bn¹; Inward FDI stock, 2025
Announced greenfield projects, 2025: US$34.0bn¹; Announced greenfield projects, 2025

FDI inflows, 2021 to 2025

FDI inflows, 2021 to 2025
Year	US$ billion
2021	20.7
2022	22.7
2023	30.7
2024	45.6
2025	48.2

Source: UNCTAD: World Investment Report 2026, country fact sheet United Arab Emirates¹

Sources

UNCTAD: World Investment Report 2026, country fact sheet United Arab Emirates (PDF)

Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.

Next step

Talk to People Who Do This Every Day

Business setup consultants, lawyers, accountants and recruiters who work with international investors, in the Invest-Emirates.ae directory.

Browse the Directory 2026 Fact Sheets