ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) totaled $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. The nation’s cumulative outward FDI stock reached $402.729 billion at year’s end, up from $55.560 billion in 2010. This surge indicates a substantial growth in the value of UAE investments abroad, now spanning major economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries globally.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transportation, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics also form a significant part of the country’s overseas footprint. Sovereign wealth funds, state-affiliated firms, and private enterprises all contribute to these global holdings, which extend across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures underscore the UAE’s prominent role as a key source of cross-border investment capital.
Global foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed economies attracted around $723 billion, an 11% rise, while developing nations drew about $901 billion, up 2%. The top 20 host economies received over 80% of global investment flows, demonstrating continued concentration of international investments among leading markets despite overall growth.
Sovereign entities diversify their global investment portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company allocates a significant portion of its international holdings to North America, which comprises 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports approximately $170 billion in assets under management across the continent. Europe accounts for 15%, while Asia-Pacific makes up 13%, and Latin America and the Caribbean represent 1%. Its investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various key markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority assigns 45% to 60% of its assets to North America in its long-term strategic planning. Europe is targeted for 15% to 30%, emerging markets for 10% to 20%, and developed Asia for 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade emphasizes the country’s growing international economic ties, supported by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport sector entities expand their global footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding international commercial reach. In 2025, the company managed 34 ports and terminals across both domestic and foreign markets, maintaining offices in over 50 countries. Its broader network connects directly or through representatives to 158 nations. The group’s operations encompass ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across multiple trade corridors, with activities spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold, with the latest data showing total overseas investments exceeding $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now reaches mature economies and emerging markets across numerous sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows also saw an uptick, illustrating the scale of foreign assets accumulated by UAE investors. These figures offer a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint and strategic deployment of capital abroad.