Business

Dubai retains top spot as global leader in Greenfield FDI

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2025

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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)

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Business

Tourists in UAE can now get instant bank accounts: Here’s how

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.

Business

Rupee hits record low: Should UAE residents send money now or wait?

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low, offering UAE-based expats one of the most favourable exchange rates in recent months for sending money home.

The Indian rupee was trading at around Rs25.93 per dirham, according to XE, while weakening to 95.25 against the US dollar.

For Indian residents in the UAE, the shift means more rupees per dirham, making it an attractive time to remit funds for expenses such as school fees, family support, or loan payments back home.

A Dh1,000 transfer could fetch around Rs25,930 (before fees), prompting increased activity at exchange houses, where customers often wait for such rate movements to make larger transfers.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to stabilise the currency, including dollar sales through state-run banks, though the impact has been limited as global pressures persist.

What it means for expats

For UAE-based expats, the current exchange rate makes this a strong window to send money, especially for large transfers like school fees, property payments, or savings.

If you’ve been waiting for a better rate, this could be a good time to act. However, currencies can remain volatile, and small gains can be offset by exchange house fees. Some residents prefer to split transfers (send part now, part later) to balance risk.