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Dubai retains top spot as global leader in Greenfield FDI

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Dubai has once again cemented its status as the world’s No.1 destination for Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, maintaining its leading position for the fourth consecutive year, according to the latest data from Financial Times Ltd.’s ‘fDi Markets.’

In 2024, Dubai attracted an estimated Dh52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in FDI capital, marking a 33.2% increase from Dh39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023. This represents the highest FDI value recorded for the emirate since 2020, underscoring its appeal as a prime global investment hub.

The emirate also achieved a new milestone by recording 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects in 2024, the highest in its history. In total, Dubai announced 1,826 FDI projects, an 11% increase from 2023, reinforcing its ability to attract international investment. The influx of FDI generated 58,680 new jobs in 2024, reflecting a 31% increase from the previous year and further demonstrating Dubai’s role as a major employment driver.

Strategic Vision and Investment Leadership

Dubai’s consistent FDI growth is the result of strategic economic planning, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and supported by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The city’s investment policies align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three urban economies.

Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Dubai’s ability to sustain its No.1 global ranking in Greenfield FDI attraction is a testament to its strategic vision and investor-centric approach. Despite global economic challenges, Dubai continues to offer a stable, forward-looking business environment that fosters long-term growth and innovation.”

What is Greenfield investment?
Greenfield investment (GI) refers to a type of foreign direct investment (FDI) where a company establishes operations in a foreign country. The company constructs new (green) facilities (sales office, manufacturing facility, etc.) cross-border from the ground up.

A Global Investment Magnet

Dubai’s ability to attract international capital is driven by its world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly regulations, and strategic geographic position. In 2024, the city ranked third globally in terms of job creation through inward FDI, up from fourth in 2023, while maintaining its top ranking in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Key sectors contributing to this growth include business services, software and IT, real estate, financial services, and industrial equipment.

For the third consecutive year, Dubai was ranked No.1 globally in attracting Headquarter (HQ) FDI projects, securing 50 major HQ investments in 2024 alone. The city also saw a rise in investments across advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and e-commerce, further strengthening its position as a global technology and innovation hub.

Investment Confidence and Market Leadership

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), highlighted the emirate’s resilience in attracting capital. “Dubai’s ability to continuously draw foreign investment amid evolving global economic conditions is a reflection of its strong governance, strategic planning, and robust business ecosystem.”

According to ‘fDi Markets’ data, Dubai led in Greenfield FDI projects across multiple industries, including financial services, real estate, and technology. The emirate’s share of global FDI projects in Advanced Information Technologies (AIT) increased from 7.3% in 2023 to 8% in 2024, reinforcing its leadership in the digital economy.

Key Investment Sources and Sectors

Dubai’s top five FDI source countries accounted for 63% of total investment inflows in 2024, with India leading at 21.5%, followed by the US (13.7%), France (11%), the UK (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%).

The top sectors attracting FDI capital included hotels & tourism (14%), real estate (14%), software & IT services (9.2%), building materials (9%), and financial services (6.8%). Meanwhile, the most active sectors in terms of FDI projects were business services (19.2%), food & beverages (16.5%), and software & IT services (14.3%).

Future Outlook: Sustaining Growth Amid Global Shifts

Dubai’s outlook for FDI in 2025 remains positive despite global economic uncertainties. The emirate is expected to maintain its strong investment momentum, particularly in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors. With an investor-friendly regulatory environment and a focus on long-term economic stability, Dubai continues to attract major private equity and sovereign investors.

As the city advances toward its ambitious economic goals, Dubai remains a global benchmark for investment excellence, economic resilience, and business-friendly policies. Its ability to consistently deliver on its strategic vision ensures that it remains a top destination for international investment, trade, and innovation in the years ahead.

(Source: Wam)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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UAE denies claims of restrictions on investor funds, reaffirms open economy policy

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The UAE has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media that suggest restrictions on investor funds, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading.

Officials clarified that there are no limits on the movement of capital or on foreign investors’ ability to manage and transfer their money. Authorities stressed that the country remains committed to maintaining an open, business-friendly environment aligned with international standards.

Commitment to investor confidence

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism reiterated that the UAE continues to support the free flow of capital, a key pillar in attracting global investment and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Officials emphasised that policies remain unchanged, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable and transparent destination for businesses and investors.

Dubai reaffirms its position

In a statement shared on X, the Dubai Media Office also rejected the circulating claims, describing them as false. It highlighted that Dubai continues to stand as a leading global hub for business and investment, supported by a strong and resilient economy.

Call for accurate information

Authorities have urged the public and media outlets to rely on official sources when seeking information, warning against the spread of unverified claims online.

The clarification comes as the UAE contåinues to strengthen its position as a global financial and investment centre, built on openness, stability, and investor confidence.

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How UAE’s new banking plan will support businesses and individuals

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The Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out a new financial support package designed to keep banks strong and ensure they continue supporting and safeguarding the broader economy amid global and regional uncertainty.

The package was endorsed during a high-level board meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE leadership’s proactive approach to maintaining economic stability.

Built around five key pillars, the initiative is designed to provide banks with greater liquidity, enhanced flexibility, and temporary regulatory relief, ensuring they can continue to support businesses and individuals during uncertain times.

Under the new measures, banks will gain expanded access to liquidity, including the ability to utilise reserve balances and secure term funding in both dirhams and US dollars. This step is expected to keep credit flowing across key sectors of the economy.

The Central Bank has also introduced temporary easing of liquidity and funding requirements, giving financial institutions more room to continue lending. Capital buffer requirements will be relaxed as well, allowing banks to deploy excess capital to support economic activity.

Additionally, new provisions will offer greater flexibility in managing credit risk, including delaying the classification of certain loans affected by current market conditions—providing relief to borrowers facing temporary challenges.

Authorities emphasised that banks are expected to maintain lending and continue supporting customers as part of the UAE’s broader economic response strategy.

Despite global pressures, the UAE’s financial system has shown strong resilience. During its meeting, the Board confirmed that current market conditions have had no significant impact on the health of the banking sector or the efficiency of payment systems.

The Central Bank also highlighted the country’s robust financial position, with foreign exchange reserves exceeding AED 1 trillion and a strong monetary base. The UAE’s banking sector, valued at over AED 5.4 trillion, continues to demonstrate solid fundamentals.

With liquidity levels remaining high and reserves strong, the CBUAE reaffirmed its readiness to take further action if needed to protect financial stability and sustain economic growth.

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Explained: Dubai’s new law on administrative violations, fines and penalties

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Dubai has introduced a new legal framework governing administrative violations, penalties, and enforcement measures across government entities.

Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (6) of 2026 aims to make enforcement fairer, more transparent, and consistent across the emirate.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what the law means.

What is the purpose of the law?
The law creates a unified framework for handling administrative violations and penalties across Dubai government entities. It is designed to ensure enforcement actions respect fairness, transparency, accountability, and legality while protecting public services and community interests.

How are violations classified?
Administrative violations must now be clearly defined by the competent authority and are classified into three categories:

  • Minor violations
  • Moderate violations
  • Serious violations

This classification helps authorities apply appropriate penalties based on the severity of the offence.

What penalties can authorities impose?
Government entities may apply several administrative measures depending on the violation, including:

  • Warnings to correct the issue
  • Temporary closure of a business (up to six months)
  • Permanent closure of an establishment
  • Cancellation or modification of licences or permits
  • Suspension of projects, activities, or transactions

How will fairness be ensured?
The law requires penalties to be proportionate to the violation and consider factors such as:

  • Whether the violation was intentional or accidental
  • Repeated violations
  • Damage caused
  • Whether the offender took steps to fix the issue early

What are the procedures before penalties are announced?
Authorities must follow strict procedures before publishing violations:

  • Approval from the Director General of the government entity
  • Coordination with the Government of Dubai Media Office for public announcements

When does the law take effect?
The law comes into force immediately after publication in the Official Gazette. Any conflicting provisions in previous laws will be cancelled.
Officials say the law will help standardise enforcement practices across Dubai, prevent misuse of authority, and increase compliance with regulations, ultimately improving governance and protecting public interests.

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