What were the UAE's key foreign direct investment figures in 2025?

In 2025, foreign direct investment inflows into the UAE reached AED 177.3 billion, representing a 6% growth. The cumulative foreign direct investment stock totalled AED 1.171 trillion by the end of that year.

How does the UAE rank globally for foreign direct investment?

The UAE ranks 9th globally among the leading destinations for overall foreign direct investment. For new greenfield FDI projects, the country maintained its position as the second-ranked global destination.

What was the value of the UAE's non-oil foreign trade in the first half of 2026?

During the first half of 2026, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion, demonstrating a 13.1% year-on-year growth. Non-oil exports achieved a record high of AED 452.8 billion, increasing by 23.9%.

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Economy·12 August 2026

UAE Achieves Record Investment Inflows and Global Top 10 FDI Ranking, Ahead of AIM Congress 2026

The UAE recorded its fourth consecutive year of record foreign direct investment, reaching AED 177.3 billion in 2025, positioning it as the 9th leading global destination for FDI.

The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a global investment magnet, attracting AED 177.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, marking a 6% growth from the previous year. This performance, detailed in the World Investment Report 2026 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), places the UAE 9th globally among top FDI destinations.

Investment Milestones

By the close of 2025, the UAE's cumulative FDI stock had reached an impressive AED 1.171 trillion. The nation also maintained its status as the second-ranked global destination for new greenfield FDI projects for the third consecutive year, securing 1,562 projects and accounting for 38% of the greenfield project capital expenditure across the Middle East. These robust figures underscore the UAE's appeal for long-term strategic investments.

Economic Diversification and Trade Growth

This investment surge is complemented by the continued expansion of the UAE's non-oil foreign trade. According to the UAE Government Media Office, non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion during the first half of 2026, a significant 13.1% year-on-year growth. Non-oil exports also hit a historic high of AED 452.8 billion, up by 23.9%, demonstrating successful economic diversification efforts.

AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai

Building on this momentum, the 15th edition of the AIM Congress will be held from 7 to 9 September 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event will convene global leaders, investors, and policymakers.

Set under the theme "Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future", the Congress will explore investment transformations through its three strategic pillars: Global Markets, Future Economies, and NexGen. This platform aims to foster strategic partnerships, enhance capital flows, and accelerate cross-border economic cooperation, further reinforcing the UAE's role in the global investment landscape.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What were the UAE's key foreign direct investment figures in 2025?: In 2025, foreign direct investment inflows into the UAE reached AED 177.3 billion, representing a 6% growth. The cumulative foreign direct investment stock totalled AED 1.171 trillion by the end of that year.
How does the UAE rank globally for foreign direct investment?: The UAE ranks 9th globally among the leading destinations for overall foreign direct investment. For new greenfield FDI projects, the country maintained its position as the second-ranked global destination.
When and where is the AIM Congress 2026 taking place?: The 15th edition of the AIM Congress will be held from 7 to 9 September 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
What was the value of the UAE's non-oil foreign trade in the first half of 2026?: During the first half of 2026, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion, demonstrating a 13.1% year-on-year growth. Non-oil exports achieved a record high of AED 452.8 billion, increasing by 23.9%.
What is the theme of the AIM Congress 2026?: The 15th edition of the AIM Congress 2026 is themed 'Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future'.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Economy & Investment

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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