Data shows that Dubai has ranked first among global preferred destinations for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fifth consecutive year.
The share of Dubai’s greenfield FDI projects in the global total climbed to 7%, the highest level in Dubai’s history. Greenfield investment, simply put, refers to a multinational company building a new enterprise from scratch in another country, rather than directly acquiring an existing company.
According to data released by the fDi Markets database under the Financial Times on June 24, Dubai has ranked first among global preferred destinations for greenfield FDI projects for the fifth consecutive year.
In terms of sub-items, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as the preferred global headquarters for multinational corporations, ranking first globally for greenfield FDI headquarters projects for the fourth consecutive year. It also ranks first globally in multiple strategic industry clusters, covering information and communication technology and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, and environmental technology.
In terms of global manufacturing FDI projects, Dubai topped the global ranking for the first time, marking an important milestone in its economic diversification process and highlighting its growing status as a cutting-edge manufacturing center, which is highly aligned with the goals of the local D33 agenda.
Dubai also ranks first in fields such as food and beverages, electronic components, healthcare, commercial machinery and equipment, clean technology, metals, and e-commerce. It is worth noting that Dubai is the only destination city globally to have attracted more than 10 greenfield FDI projects in each of the above multiple fields, meeting the global ranking criteria, which fully reflects the diversified and broad layout of its economic system and its ability to continuously attract investment in both mature and emerging industries.
Hilal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “In recent months, global markets have undergone many challenges, yet Dubai has still attracted record levels of capital inflows through tangible development momentum, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. This fully demonstrates the confidence of investors and multinational enterprises in our future-oriented business ecosystem.”
Dubai has recently introduced an economic incentive package totaling AED 2.5 billion, aimed at alleviating corporate financial pressure, enhancing market liquidity, and ensuring the stable operation of key industries.
Specific measures include deferring fees related to the hotel industry, trade, and licensing procedures, extending customs grace periods, and simplifying residency visa processes to support the attraction and retention of global talent.
