Dubai has retained its position as the world's top destination for greenfield foreign direct investment projects for the fifth year running, recording one of its strongest performances since 2015, according to data from the Financial Times' fDi Markets database.
The emirate attracted 1,253 announced greenfield FDI projects in 2025, a 10.5% rise from 2024, while securing a record 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects — the highest in its history.
The city drew $8.83 billion in greenfield FDI capital during the year, generating 38,918 jobs, an 18.8% increase from the 32,754 jobs created in 2024.
Dubai ranked first globally in headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year and maintained its top position in artificial intelligence-related greenfield FDI for the fourth straight year. The emirate also led global rankings across ICT and electronics, financial services, life sciences, creative industries, professional services, and environmental technology. Notably, Dubai claimed the top global spot in manufacturing FDI projects for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its economic diversification drive.
The results align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling the emirate's economy by 2033.
Dubai's GDP reached AED937 billion in 2025, reflecting 5.4% annual growth, with fourth-quarter expansion accelerating to 6.4%.
Investment flowed from a broad mix of source markets spanning North America, Europe, Asia and the GCC, reinforcing Dubai's role as a strategic bridge between East and West.
Supporting the city's investment climate, Dubai recently announced an AED2.5 billion economic incentive package covering fee deferrals in hospitality, trade, and licensing, extended customs grace periods, and streamlined residency permit processes to attract and retain global talent.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
