Dubai has once again secured its position as the top global destination for Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting 643 projects in the first half of 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive half-year period in which the city has ranked No.1 globally, maintaining a lead of 478 projects over its closest competitor. The number of Greenfield projects represents the highest-ever recorded for any city globally in a six-month period since data tracking began in 2003, according to Financial Times Ltd's ‘fDi Markets’ database.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, underscored the significance of this achievement as a reflection of Dubai's robust development vision. “The strength and resilience of Dubai’s economy continues to inspire confidence among global investors in its ability to reimagine the future,” Sheikh Hamdan remarked. He also emphasized Dubai’s role in unlocking emerging sectors such as technology and sustainability, in line with the city’s long-term development agenda.

Dubai’s continued success in attracting FDI aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033. The emirate’s comprehensive infrastructure, progressive regulations, and digital-first services make it an attractive destination for investors, further cementing its position as a global economic hub.

Notably, Dubai has also improved its global ranking in other key FDI metrics. The city moved to second place globally for total FDI capital in H1 2025, up from fourth place the previous year. It also rose to third place for the number of jobs created through inward FDI, up from fourth in 2024. Across these metrics, Dubai retained its top position in the Middle East.

In addition to its overall FDI performance, Dubai has strengthened its status as a preferred base for multinational corporations. The city ranked first globally for headquarters FDI projects, which saw a 60% increase from 20 projects in H1 2024 to 32 in H1 2025. Dubai’s leading position was also reinforced by its dominance in sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), life sciences, financial services, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Dubai’s market share for Greenfield FDI stands at 8%, with the city accounting for 56% of all Greenfield FDI projects in the Middle East. The strategic geographic location, coupled with Dubai’s diverse business ecosystem, makes it a key player in global investment flows.

The first half of 2025 also saw a notable 62% increase in FDI capital, reaching AED 40.4 billion (USD 11 billion), compared to AED 24.7 billion (USD 6.8 billion) in the same period in 2024. Job creation from these investments surged by 46.7%, rising from 26,202 jobs in H1 2024 to 38,433 in H1 2025.

The diversity of FDI projects is further proof of Dubai’s appeal to a wide range of industries. The city saw strong performance in sectors such as business services, construction, retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Moreover, emerging industries such as FinTech and AI are drawing significant interest, reflecting Dubai's adaptability to global economic shifts.

Source markets for FDI into Dubai are diverse, with the United States leading, contributing 35% of total FDI capital. Other key investors include the United Kingdom, France, India, and Saudi Arabia. These regions continue to view Dubai as a stable and promising investment destination with strategic access to global markets.

Dubai’s sustained leadership in FDI underscores its dynamic business environment, and its future-focused economic strategy continues to attract global investors seeking growth and stability in a rapidly changing world.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.