Dubai : The United Arab Emirates recorded a significant milestone in its economic journey, attracting AED 167 billion ($45 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, marking a 48% year-on-year increase, according to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared the achievement via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the nation’s growing global economic stature.
“The UAE accounted for 37% of total FDI inflows into the region. For every $100 invested in the region, $37 flowed into the UAE—reflecting our country’s increasing attractiveness as a global hub for business, innovation, and investment,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
On a global scale, the UAE ranked second only to the United States in terms of the number of new FDI projects launched in 2023, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for international capital and entrepreneurial ventures.
Looking ahead, the UAE has set an ambitious target of attracting AED 1.3 trillion in FDI over the next six years, aligned with the development vision outlined by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“Our developmental agenda is clear, and it is powered by a unified and dedicated team committed to the vision of our leadership. Our message to the world is simple: development is the foundation of stability, and the economy is the cornerstone of policy,” Sheikh Mohammed emphasized.
The announcement further underscores the UAE’s strategic focus on economic diversification, sustainable growth, and global investment leadership.