Dubai is strengthening its economic ties with the US as investment, trade, and business activity from American companies reach new highs. This growing momentum was highlighted at the Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York, where leaders from both sides discussed rising investor interest, expanding trade routes, and Dubai Chambers’ wider global reach.
US direct investment in Dubai hit AED14.3bn ($3.9bn) in the first half of 2025, doubling the total for all of 2024. American investors have also been active in the digital economy, placing AED3.6bn ($980m) into 158 projects between 2020 and 2024.
Trade and Market Growth
Dubai’s economic links with the US continue to rise, supported by strong non-oil trade. Bilateral trade reached AED116.4bn ($31.7bn) in 2024, with steady increases in both exports and imports over recent years.
Key sectors attracting American investment include tourism and hospitality, software and IT services, business services, entertainment, and telecommunications.
During the Dubai Business Forum – USA, Dubai Chambers announced the launch of its first representative office in the United States, located in New York. The office is designed to supportÂ
US companies are exploring opportunities in Dubai and assisting Dubai-based firms expanding into the American market. The forum brought together 700 senior leaders and marked the largest overseas delegation ever organised by Dubai Chambers.
Dubai continues to draw new US businesses. In the first nine months of 2025, 787 American companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, raising the total to 3,690 active firms.
More than 112 US companies now operate within Dubai’s Integrated Economic Zones, including aviation, logistics, consulting, and technology players such as Boeing, FedEx, DHL, Abbott and Coca-Cola.
The forum placed strong focus on sectors shaping the future of the global economy. Panel discussions highlighted Dubai’s growing role in artificial intelligence, fintech, robotics, quantum technologies, and digital trade.
Speakers pointed to the emirate’s supportive regulations, availability of talent, and growing access to venture capital as key reasons for its rising popularity among US firms.
Industry leaders, including EY, reaffirmed Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most attractive cities for investment. In 2024, 6.2% of all newly announced global FDI projects were located in Dubai demonstrating broad international confidence in its economic strategy and long-term vision.
A New ChapterÂ
The opening of Dubai Chambers’ first US office in New York marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties. It will facilitate smoother market entry for US companies, support Dubai-based firms expanding into the United States, and enhance collaboration in emerging sectors.
This is not just a shift in the Dubai–US economic relationship it reflects a broader global trend. Dubai is increasingly recognized as a hub of opportunity, particularly in emerging sectors and strategic investments. We at One Investments focus on connecting investors with opportunities that align with the emirate’s evolving economic landscape.Â
