The UAE continues to attract strong international investment, highlighting its growing role as a global hub for business, trade and capital.
According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2026, the UAE attracted AED 177.3 billion (US$48.3 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, representing a 6% year-on-year increase and marking the country's fourth consecutive year of record FDI inflows. The UAE ranked 9th globally among FDI destinations.
The country also maintained its position as the world's second-largest destination for new greenfield FDI projects for the third consecutive year, attracting 1,562 projects. These projects accounted for 38% of greenfield project capital expenditure in the Middle East, demonstrating the UAE's strong appeal to international investors.
Investment momentum is further supported by the UAE's expanding non-oil economy. In the first half of 2026, the country's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion, up 13.1% year on year, while non-oil exports hit a record AED 452.8 billion, an increase of 23.9%.
These figures reflect the UAE's continued progress in economic diversification and its efforts to create an attractive environment for international businesses, investors and cross-border partnerships. With strong investment inflows, expanding trade and a growing focus on future-oriented industries, the UAE is well positioned to remain a key gateway between global markets and the Middle East.
