Dubai has strengthened its position as a global destination for foreign capital after retaining the world’s top ranking for new greenfield foreign direct investment projects in cultural and creative industries. The emirate attracted 754 projects in the sector during 2025, highlighting the growing role of technology, media and creative services in its economic diversification strategy.
The projects brought approximately $3.756 billion in greenfield FDI capital to Dubai and generated 19,304 new jobs. According to data announced by the Government of Dubai Media Office, the ranking is based on Financial Times Ltd’s fDi Markets database and covers investment activity across major international cities. Dubai has now held the leading position in this category for four consecutive years.
The latest results come as the emirate seeks to expand beyond its established strengths in tourism, property, aviation and trade. Creative technology, digital services and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important components of Dubai’s investment landscape, supporting its broader ambition to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Dubai Outpaces Major Global Investment Hubs
Dubai ranked first among 233 cities tracked for greenfield FDI projects in cultural and creative industries. The gap between the emirate and other major investment centres was substantial.
While Dubai attracted 754 projects, London recorded 227, Singapore had 197, Riyadh secured 157 and Bengaluru attracted 132. This means Dubai registered more than three times as many projects as London, its nearest competitor in the ranking.
The figures also demonstrate that the emirate is attracting both a large number of individual projects and significant amounts of capital. Dubai ranked second globally for total FDI capital flowing into cultural and creative industries, with investments reaching $3.756 billion during the year.
Investment came from a geographically diverse group of markets. India was the largest source of greenfield FDI capital in Dubai’s creative industries, accounting for 19% of the total. The United States followed with 17.5%, while China represented 13%, Malaysia 12% and the United Kingdom 9%.
The ranking changes when investment is measured by the number of projects rather than their monetary value. The UK accounted for 21.5% of projects, narrowly ahead of India at 21%. The United States contributed 14%, while France represented 4%.
This combination indicates that Dubai is not dependent on one country or region for investment. Instead, capital is arriving from Europe, Asia and North America, giving the emirate a broader international investor base.
AI and Digital Services Reshape the Creative Economy
The definition of the creative economy is also changing. Investment is no longer concentrated primarily in traditional cultural sectors such as arts, entertainment or design.
New projects are increasingly connected with specialised computer programming, digital services, data processing, artificial intelligence and technology-driven creative businesses. Investment also extends to advertising and public relations, film and media, gaming, professional services, architecture, education, performing arts, museums and supporting logistics operations.
This shift is particularly important for Dubai because it connects the creative economy with sectors the emirate has identified as strategic priorities for future growth. Artificial intelligence, advanced digital infrastructure and technology companies can create higher-value employment while also supporting other industries.
The employment figures illustrate the economic impact. The 754 projects attracted during 2025 were associated with 19,304 new jobs, meaning foreign investment is contributing not only capital but also demand for specialised professionals.
Dubai’s wider FDI performance reinforces the trend. In 2025, the emirate attracted 1,253 announced greenfield FDI projects across all industries, an increase of 10.5% from the previous year. Dubai accounted for a record 7% of global greenfield FDI projects and ranked first worldwide for the fifth consecutive year.
The city also maintained its global leadership in headquarters-related greenfield investment and AI-related projects. It ranked first across several other investment clusters, including ICT and electronics, financial services, life sciences, professional services, environmental technology and industrial equipment.
Foreign Capital Supports Dubai’s Economic Diversification
The significance of the latest figures extends beyond another international ranking. Foreign investment is becoming an important mechanism through which Dubai is broadening its economic base and attracting businesses capable of operating across regional and international markets.
For investors, the emirate combines access to Middle Eastern, Asian and African markets with established transport infrastructure, free zones and a regulatory environment designed to attract international companies. For Dubai, the benefit comes from bringing capital, skilled professionals, intellectual property and new business activity into the local economy.
The growing presence of AI-powered creative businesses and digital service companies also suggests that the boundaries between technology and traditional creative industries are becoming less distinct. A media company, for example, may increasingly depend on data processing and artificial intelligence, while advertising, entertainment and design businesses are becoming more technology-intensive.
That evolution supports Dubai’s broader D33 economic agenda, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and reinforce its status as a major international centre for investment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The latest FDI numbers therefore reveal more than the strength of Dubai’s creative sector. They show how the emirate is using foreign investment to diversify its economy toward industries built around technology, knowledge and specialised talent.
With 754 creative-industry projects, $3.756 billion in capital and more than 19,000 jobs generated in a single year, Dubai has established a considerable lead over competing cities. Maintaining that momentum will depend on whether the emirate can continue converting international investor interest into long-term business activity and sustainable economic growth.