Dubai has been ranked the world’s No.1 destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year, according to Financial Times Ltd.’s ‘fDi Markets’ data. The emirate attracted AED52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in estimated FDI capital in 2024—a 33.2% increase from AED39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023—marking its highest-ever annual FDI inflows.

A record-breaking 1,117 greenfield FDI projects were launched, with total announced projects reaching 1,826, an 11% increase from 2023. These investments generated 58,680 new jobs, up 31% from the previous year. Dubai also climbed to fourth place globally for Greenfield FDI capital, reinforcing its status as the Middle East and Africa’s top investment hub.

Key investment sources included India (21.5%), the U.S. (13.7%), France (11%), the U.K. (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%). The leading sectors for FDI capital were hotels and tourism (14%), real estate (14%), software and IT services (9.2%), building materials (9%), and financial services (6.8%).

Dubai’s forward-looking strategies and business-friendly policies continue to drive investor confidence. With surging reinvestments (+98%) and a 39% rise in venture capital-backed FDI, the city remains a magnet for global businesses, startups, and high-growth ventures.