Dubai has ranked first globally for Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries for the fourth consecutive year, according to Financial Times Ltd.’s fDi Markets data for 2025.
The emirate attracted 754 new projects across the sector, placing it ahead of London with 227 projects, Singapore with 197, Riyadh with 157 and Bengaluru with 132 among 233 cities tracked globally.
The projects generated 19,304 new jobs, while Greenfield FDI capital inflows into Dubai’s cultural and creative industries reached $3.756 billion. Dubai also maintained its second-place global ranking for FDI capital inflows into the sector.
Investment was spread across a broad range of industries, including advertising and public relations, computer programming, digital services, film, media, gaming, artificial intelligence-powered creative technologies, education, professional services, architecture, design, crafts, performing arts and entertainment.
India was the largest source of Greenfield FDI capital, accounting for 19%, followed by the United States at 17.5%, China at 13%, Malaysia at 12% and the United Kingdom at 9%. In terms of project numbers, the UK ranked first with 21.5%, closely followed by India at 21%.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said the results demonstrate the continued development of Dubai’s creative ecosystem and the increasing role of digital content, artificial intelligence and creative technology.
Dubai’s performance has been supported by full foreign ownership, streamlined business setup, specialised creative and technology clusters, long-term residency options for talent, advanced infrastructure and access to international markets.
The results also support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, as the emirate works to expand the creative sector’s contribution to economic growth, employment and innovation.
Officials said the figures demonstrate Dubai’s growing ability to attract global investors, entrepreneurs and creative talent while transforming cultural and creative industries into a significant contributor to the economy.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
