The UAE has solidified its position as one of the world’s preferred investment destinations, successfully attracting foreign direct investments that have boosted its cumulative balance.
In 2024, the UAE issued 200,000 new economic licences across various economic activities, with more than 1.1m companies and economic institutions operating in its markets.
According to data from the Ministry of Investment, the total new and announced capital inflows of foundational Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2023 reached $16bn, reflecting the UAE’s status as a preferred destination for international investors.
Foreign direct investment in UAE
The UAE continues to attract significant foundational investments from various countries, highlighting its dynamic business environment and strategic economic initiatives that create job opportunities, drive innovation, and support sustainable growth.
The country’s vibrant investment landscape serves as a key driver of economic expansion and capital inflows, reinforcing its position as a leading global investment hub.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said that the UAE is committed to providing a competitive legislative environment for new economy sectors.
Over the past six years, the country has developed and issued more than nine key economic legislations aimed at expanding businesses and projects in new economy sectors within its markets.
He further noted that, over the past four years, the UAE has issued more than 30 laws, regulations, and economic policies, including new legislation for:
- Family businesses
- E-commerce
- Cooperatives
- Consumer protection
- Commercial transactions
- Trademarks
- Copyright
- Related rights
The primary sectors driving foundational investment growth in the UAE include business services, software, and IT services, which have generated numerous job opportunities and attracted substantial capital inflows.
Sectors such as financial services, industrial equipment, transportation, and storage have also played a significant role in foundational investment growth, leading to a 7.5 per cent increase in total jobs created, a 31 per cent rise in announced projects, and a 37 per cent surge in total announced foundational foreign direct investment inflows.
Emerging sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, and cloud computing, have made significant contributions to the UAE’s economic growth and created major investment opportunities.
The UAE’s diversified economy and its business-friendly environment for sustainable growth have enabled it to maintain its position as the leading investment destination in the Arab world and the region while achieving comprehensive global development.
This is reflected in the record growth of FDI inflows, which increased by 35 per cent to reach AED112.6bn ($30.7bn) in 2023, according to the 2024 World Investment Report issued by UNCTAD.
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