In a resounding affirmation of its global economic leadership, Dubai has once again emerged at the top of the world’s cities in attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. During the first half of 2025, the emirate secured 643 new greenfield FDI projects, setting a historic global benchmark and outperforming the nearest competitor by an impressive margin of 478 projects. This remarkable milestone represents Dubai’s eighth consecutive half-year as the leading global destination for new FDI, underscoring its consistent appeal, strategic foresight, and robust investment climate.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, expressed pride in this unprecedented achievement, emphasizing that it is the outcome of a clear and forward-thinking strategy aligned with the ambitious goals of Dubai’s economic future.
“This excellence is the result of a strategic, forward-looking vision designed to keep pace with global economic and technological transformations,” said His Highness. “It aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and solidify its position among the top three global economic cities.”
His Highness further noted that Dubai’s continued leadership in this global FDI indicator is not only a quantitative success but also a qualitative testament to the emirate’s business appeal:
“Dubai’s top position in this important global indicator during the first half of 2025, through the attraction of 643 new FDI projects and by a record margin over the next closest city, reflects the depth of international trust in Dubai’s investment environment. It showcases the transparency of its systems, the efficiency of its infrastructure, and its remarkable ability to adapt to global economic changes with innovation and agility.”
He added:
“This achievement is a global certificate of excellence that confirms Dubai’s position as a pivotal center in the global economy and a preferred destination for investors seeking a flexible business environment supported by stimulating legislation and overall stability.”
His Highness emphasized that this success represents yet another significant milestone in the emirate’s broader journey toward global economic leadership:
“Dubai’s prestigious standing as a prominent global destination for attracting new foreign direct investment projects is only one step on its path toward global economic leadership.”
Looking ahead, Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed Dubai’s steadfast commitment to innovation and economic competitiveness:
“We are committed to embedding a culture of innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, and creating an exceptional business environment that empowers companies and investors to grow and thrive. We continue with firm determination toward positioning Dubai as the city of the future—a central hub for the global economy and a home for the world’s brightest minds and leading companies.”
In a statement shared via his official account on the platform “X,” His Highness reiterated:
“For the eighth consecutive time, Dubai has topped global cities in attracting new foreign direct investment projects during the first half of 2025, according to data from Financial Times – FDI Markets, with over 640 high-quality projects attracted. The visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his wise guidance, the dedication of government teams, and the integrated partnership with the private sector have turned Dubai into an extraordinary success story that inspires the world. We are proud of the renewed trust from international investors, which reflects the strength of our investment environment, the transparency of our systems, the efficiency of our infrastructure, and our unique ability to adapt to global economic changes. Every day, we move closer to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. With a spirit that knows no limits, we reaffirm that the future is Dubai, and Dubai is the future.”
Dubai’s continuous rise as a global economic leader is not a coincidence, but the outcome of decades of planning, policy innovation, and consistent delivery. From robust infrastructure to a regulatory environment that empowers growth, and from a strategic location to a tech-savvy, future-ready mindset—Dubai stands today not just as a destination for investment, but as a living model of what cities of the future aspire to be.
