ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a total of $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. By year’s end, the country’s total outward FDI stock had climbed to $402.729 billion. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, reflecting a substantial growth in UAE investments abroad. Today, these overseas assets span major economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The UAE’s global investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics services also constitute a notable part of its international footprint. Contributions come from sovereign investors, state-linked firms, and private companies, whose holdings 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.
Worldwide foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating global FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, a 6% rise from the previous year. Developed nations attracted around $723 billion, reflecting an 11% increase, while developing economies drew roughly $901 billion, up by 2%. The 20 largest recipient countries accounted for over 80% of total global investment flows. Despite the overall growth, international investment remains concentrated in leading economies.
Sovereign funds continue to diversify their global holdings
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a significant portion of its global investments in North America, which makes up 44% of its total portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala’s assets under management in North America are valued at around $170 billion. Europe accounts for 15% of its holdings, while Asia-Pacific represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean contribute an additional 1%. Its investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various key markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority allocates capital strategically across regions, with 45% to 60% of its assets targeted at North America. Europe receives a planned 15% to 30%, emerging markets are allocated 10% to 20%, and developed Asia is assigned 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade also emphasizes the growth of its international economic relations through comprehensive economic partnership agreements that facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport and logistics firms bolster the UAE’s international investment presence
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding global commercial reach. Throughout 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across both domestic and foreign markets, maintaining offices in over 50 countries. Its extensive network spans 158 nations directly or via representatives. The group integrates ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones along several trade corridors, with operations extending across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold. The latest data indicates total overseas investments exceeding $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now reaches mature economies and emerging markets across numerous industries. After two years of decline, global investment flows have risen again. The combined data on annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets illustrate the scale of UAE investors’ overseas holdings, providing a clear picture of the country’s growing international investment footprint.