Dubai confirms its status as a global business and investment hub, ranking first in the world forGreenfield foreign direct investment (FDI ) projects for the fourth year running. In 2024, the emirate attracted $14.2 billion in FDI, marking a 33.2% increase on 2023. This exceptional performance reflects the confidence of international investors in Dubai's stable and dynamic economic environment.
This success is the result of a visionary economic strategy, attractive reforms and a diversification of investment sectors. With over 1,100 FDI projects registered in a single year, Dubai has positioned itself as one of the most attractive destinations for companies and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Record FDI growth and enhanced attractiveness
The year 2024 marked a turning point for Dubai, with a record inflow ofAED 52.3 billion ($14.2 billion) in foreign direct investment. This 33.2% increase on 2023's AED 39.26 billion ($10.7 billion) illustrates the emirate's growing attractiveness to international investors.
The volume of Greenfield FDI projects also reached an all-time high, with 1,117 projects registered in a single year. These results place Dubai ahead of major metropolises such as London, Singapore and New York, consolidating its leadership in foreign investment.
This positive momentum is largely attributed to government initiatives to simplify investment processes, enhance market transparency and offer attractive incentives to international investors.
A significant impact on employment and the local economy
The increase in FDI in Dubai is not limited to financial growth, but also has a direct impact on job creation. In 2024, 58,680 jobs were generated thanks to foreign investment, an increase of 31% on the 44,745 jobs created in 2023.
This growth places Dubai third in the world in terms of FDI-related job creation, and first in the Middle East and Africa. These results testify to the emirate's ability to attract and retain talent, offering diversified career opportunities and an environment conducive to business development.
Thanks to its flexible regulatory framework, modern infrastructure and attractive tax structure, Dubai has become a must-visit destination for qualified professionals from all over the world.
Strategic sector diversification to attract investors
Dubai is not content to attract investment in just one area. The emirate has implemented a diversification strategy aimed at strengthening several key sectors of its economy. In 2024, the main sectors benefiting from FDI were :
- Hotels and tourism: 14% of foreign investment.
- Real estate: 14%, a fast-growing market thanks to the influx of new residents and investors.
- IT technologies and services: 9.2%, with continued growth in the digital sector.
- Building materials: 9%, boosted by infrastructure and urban development projects.
- Financial services: 6.8%, confirming Dubai's role as a regional financial center.
In terms of the number of FDI projects, certain sectors stand out as being particularly attractive:
- Business services: 19.2% of new projects.
- Food and beverage industry: 16.5%, due to growing demand in the restaurant and franchise sectors.
- Software and digital technologies: 14.3%, with Dubai positioning itself as a key player in innovation.
- Textiles and fashion: 9%, thanks to the rise of local brands and foreign investment.
- Consumer products: 8.1%, confirming the boom in retail and e-commerce.
This balanced distribution of FDI reflects the diversity and resilience of Dubai's economy, which is not based on a single sector alone, but on a wide range of innovative and dynamic industries.
Asserted leadership in technology and innovation
Dubai continues to innovate and attract technology companies looking to establish themselves in an advanced digital ecosystem. In 2024, the emirate accounted for 8% of global FDI in new technologies, compared with 7.3% in 2023.
This progress confirms Dubai's ambition to become a global hub for information technology and artificial intelligence. Initiatives such as the Smart Dubai Strategy and Dubai Blockchain Strategy reinforce this commitment by providing a framework conducive to innovation, cybersecurity and the digitization of services.
The government also continues to foster the development of technology start-ups and unicorns through incubators, grants and entrepreneurial support programs. This long-term vision makes Dubai a preferred destination for technology companies looking to establish themselves in the Middle East.
Conclusion: a promising future for FDI in Dubai
With $14.2 billion in foreign direct investment by 2024, Dubai is more than ever a global hub for business and investment. Its attractive economic environment, political stability, modern infrastructure and openness to foreign capital make it a must-see destination for entrepreneurs and major corporations.
Thanks to an effective diversification strategy, Dubai is not dependent on a single sector, but attracts investment in real estate, finance, technology, tourism and professional services. The impact on the local economy is considerable, with thousands of jobs created and an environment conducive to innovation.
As the emirate looks to the next decade, growth prospects remain strong. With its pro-business policies, favorable regulatory environment and strategic geographic position, Dubai will continue to attract billions in investment every year, reinforcing its role as a global economic leader.
