Dubai has ranked first in the world for the fourth consecutive year in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. In 2024, Dubai attracted $14.24 billion in foreign direct investment, a 33.2% increase compared to $10.69 billion in 2023, which was the highest FDI figure ever recorded in the emirate in a single year since 2020.
In 2024, Dubai attracted a record 1,117 new FDI projects, the highest figure in its history. According to Dubai FDI Monitor DET, Dubai also achieved a historic milestone in attracting foreign direct investment, announcing 1,826 FDI projects, an 11% increase compared to 1,650 projects in 2023. This is the highest number of FDI projects announced in the emirate’s history. In 2024, FDI created a total of 58,680 jobs, a 31% increase compared to 44,745 jobs in 2023.
Dubai Economic Agenda D33
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, said that Dubai’s emergence as a leader in the global investment landscape was inspired and guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Dubai’s ability to consistently strengthen its status as a leading global destination for foreign direct investment reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional value to investors worldwide. The city’s ranking as the world’s No. 1 destination for FDI inflows for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to its ability not only to set new global benchmarks for sustainable, rapid growth, but also to continuously evolve its investment proposition in response to changes sweeping the international market. This success is the result of a strategic vision that keeps pace with economic and technological transformations, aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and become one of the world’s top three urban economies,” he added.
Dubai: A Talent Attraction Surge
Dubai’s forward-looking strategies have transformed the emirate into a global FDI hub, with the city’s attractive business environment, favorable regulations, infrastructure and strategic location making it a top destination for investors. In 2024, the city ranked fourth in the world in terms of Greenfield FDI (Greenfield FDI) inflows, up from fifth in 2023, and ranked first in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, a significant leap in its investment attractiveness.
In 2024, the city also rose from fourth to third in the world in terms of jobs created through FDI, securing the top spot in the Middle Africa region. Dubai has seen a surge in talent attraction across key sectors such as business services, IT software services, real estate, transportation/warehousing, financial services, industrial equipment, consumer goods and communications. This highlights the city’s dynamic business environment, strategic economic policies and ability to attract skilled professionals, strengthening its position as a leading destination for investment and innovation.