UAE Launches National Investment Strategy 2031 to Boost FDI and Global Competitiveness

At the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inaugurated the National Investment Strategy 2031.

This strategy, aligned with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, aims to position the UAE as a global investment hub, attracting talent, fostering innovation, and doubling foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows by 2031.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE’s achievements, noting a 35% increase in FDI inflows in 2023, reaching AED112.6 billion, even as global FDI trends declined. He emphasized the importance of clear goals and strategic initiatives in bolstering the UAE’s position as a preferred investment destination. The UAE aims to double cumulative FDI inflows to AED1.3 trillion and triple the FDI balance to AED2.2 trillion by 2031 through targeted programmes.

During the session, His Excellency Mohamed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, presented key aspects of the strategy, which include expanding FDI in priority sectors like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and high-tech industries. The UAE has already made impressive progress, ranking second globally in the number of new FDI projects in 2023, with a total of 1,323 projects—a 33% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the UAE advanced to 11th place globally in FDI attraction, according to the UNCTAD report.

The National Investment Strategy 2031 outlines five strategic directions: attracting new investments in priority sectors, expanding FDI in existing projects, fostering international partnerships, enhancing investor relations, and boosting the UAE's competitive edge. The UAE’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and quality of life is central to its appeal for investors.

To promote the UAE's investment potential, the strategy introduced the InvestUAE brand, a unified platform to bolster the UAE’s global presence. Led by the Ministry of Investment, InvestUAE will manage promotional activities, host events, and conduct digital campaigns targeting international investors, reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a resilient investment destination.

Despite global challenges, such as geopolitical tensions and competitive investment markets, the UAE’s strategy aims to retain key investors, encourage reinvestments, and sustain economic growth, enhancing its position as a strategic global investment hub.

News Source: Dubai Media Office