Dubai has once again been recognised as the world’s leading destination for greenfield foreign direct investment, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top. The achievement reflects the emirate’s growing appeal as a global hub for business, innovation and investment.
According to the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database, Dubai attracted 1,253 greenfield FDI projects in 2025, representing a 10.5% increase compared to the previous year. The emirate also secured a record 7% share of all global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in its history.
Beyond the number of projects, Dubai attracted AED32.43 billion ($8.83 billion) in greenfield FDI capital during 2025. This investment activity supported the creation of nearly 39,000 jobs, highlighting the positive impact of foreign investment on economic growth and employment.
Dubai’s success was driven by a diverse mix of investments, including new business ventures, reinvestments, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital activity and strategic expansions. The emirate continued to perform strongly across key sectors such as technology, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, creative industries and consumer goods.
The city also maintained its position as the world’s leading destination for headquarters-related greenfield FDI projects and artificial intelligence-related investments. In a significant milestone, Dubai ranked first globally for manufacturing FDI projects for the first time, underlining the growing importance of advanced manufacturing within the emirate’s economic diversification strategy.
Strong economic fundamentals continue to support investor confidence. Dubai’s GDP reached AED937 billion ($255.1 billion) in 2025, recording annual growth of 5.4%. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, business-friendly regulations and talent attraction have further strengthened the emirate’s competitive position.
The road ahead
As global businesses continue to seek stable and future-focused markets, Dubai remains a preferred destination for investment, innovation and long-term growth.
At One Investments, we see developments like this as a strong reminder of the value of forward planning. We prioritise understanding our investors objectives and identifying opportunities that match their vision, ensuring a careful balance between potential growth and security.
