Dubai tops global FDI rankings for 8th consecutive year

Dubai has once again topped global rankings for attracting greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects.

According to the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database, the emirate attracted 643 new FDI projects in the first half of 2025.

It's the highest number ever recorded for any city globally in a half-year period since fDi Markets began tracking the data in 2003.

Dubai also rose to number two globally for FDI capital, and number three for jobs created — up from fourth place in both categories last year.

These results align with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033, and strengthen its position as a global hub for business and leisure.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said that the achievement highlighted Dubai’s futuristic development vision.

"The strength and resilience of Dubai’s economy continues to inspire confidence among global investors in its ability to reimagine the future and unlock emerging global technological trends and sustainable sectors," he added.

For the eighth year in a row, Dubai has topped global rankings for attracting greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the first half of 2025, according to Financial Times – fDi Markets, drawing more than 640 projects. Guided by the visionary leadership of His… pic.twitter.com/b0XGUEoski

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 22, 2025

Further consolidating its status as a preferred base for headquarters of multinational firms, Dubai secured the global No.1 ranking for HQ FDI projects, with project numbers rising from 20 in H1 2024 to 32 in H1 2025.

This sustained momentum highlights the depth of Dubai’s corporate ecosystem and its appeal as a platform for regional and global growth.

The city also ranked first globally across clusters including ICT and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, transportation and warehousing, and environmental technology.

Reflecting its appeal to future-focused investors, Dubai led in emerging categories such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Technology (FinTech).

With a global market share of 8 per cent and a 56 per cent share of the Middle East’s total Greenfield FDI projects, Dubai has established itself as a leading hub for investment.