Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a critical pillar of the UAE’s economic strategy in 2025. Data from Emirates NBD Research and fDi Markets shows that the country continued to attract large-scale, high-value projects across real estate, manufacturing, technology, logistics, and sustainability-driven sectors. This article focuses exclusively on greenfield FDI performance in 2025, based on the H1 2025 report.
FDI Snapshot: 2025
- Total FDI Capital: AED 40.4 billion ($11 billion).
- Total Announced Projects: 1,090 projects.
- Jobs Created: 38,433 estimated jobs.
- Global Ranking: Dubai advanced to second place globally for total FDI capital and first in the number of greenfield FDI projects.
Dubai Leads FDI Activity
Dubai consolidated its position as the UAE’s primary destination for greenfield FDI in 2025. With 526 projects representing 86% of total greenfield activity, Dubai attracted USD 3.03 billion in capital inflows. The emirate’s dominance reflects its mature infrastructure, global connectivity, regulatory clarity, and ability to host large-scale real estate, technology, and services-driven developments.
FDI by Source Country: Projects vs Capital
The United Kingdom ranked first by number of greenfield FDI projects, contributing 120 projects, followed by India with 101 projects and the United States with 94 projects. However, capital investment value tells a different story.
Kuwait emerged as the top source by capital invested, contributing USD 955.7 million across just three projects. This was largely driven by a landmark mixed-use real estate development in Sharjah. The United States ranked second by capital value at USD 889.5 million, while India followed with USD 677.9 million.
[Chart 2: Greenfield FDI by Country – Project Count vs Capital Expenditure]
Sector Breakdown: Where the Capital Is Going
Business services led all sectors by project count, recording 183 projects and accounting for nearly 30% of total greenfield activity. Professional services, consulting, and waste management were the main drivers within this segment.
Software and IT services followed with 108 projects, reflecting the expansion of global technology companies establishing regional operations in the UAE. Financial services recorded 65 projects, reinforcing the UAE’s growing status as a regional financial hub.
Despite having only 29 projects, the real estate sector attracted the largest capital investment at USD 1.05 billion, accounting for 19% of total FDI inflows.
[Chart 3: Greenfield FDI by Sector – Projects vs Capital Investment]
High-Value, Capital-Intensive Projects Define 2025
The UAE’s FDI profile in 2025 was characterized by a strong focus on high-value activities. Manufacturing attracted USD 1.06 billion despite only 22 projects, highlighting the country’s strategy of targeting advanced and capital-intensive industries.
Construction secured USD 1.12 billion from just three major projects, underscoring the scale of flagship developments being undertaken across the country.
Landmark Greenfield Investments
Several major projects defined greenfield FDI activity in H1 2025:
• A USD 953 million mixed-use residential development in Sharjah by Kuwait Real Estate Company and IFA Hotels.
• A USD 346.6 million polyethylene recycling facility in Sharjah, supporting the UAE’s circular economy goals.
• USD 172.6 million in healthcare investments in Dubai by Akdital.
• A USD 127.1 million adhesives manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah by H.B. Fuller.
Technology, AI, and Sustainability as Core Themes
Technology and sustainability emerged as dominant investment themes in 2025. The communications sector, including data centers and AI infrastructure, attracted USD 359.5 million across 16 projects.
Major initiatives in sovereign cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and recycling technologies underline the UAE’s long-term vision aligned with digital transformation and Net Zero 2050 objectives.
Free Zones: Capital Concentration Hubs
Free zones attracted USD 1.62 billion in greenfield FDI, representing nearly 30% of total inflows, despite accounting for only 17.5% of total projects.
Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai South, Al Hamra Industrial Zone, Dubai Industrial City, and DIFC emerged as key destinations for capital-intensive manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and financial services projects.
Investor Takeaway
Greenfield FDI data for 2025 highlights a UAE investment environment focused on scale, quality, and strategic sectors. Dubai continues to act as the main gateway for international capital, while other emirates attract high-value, targeted investments. The concentration of capital in real estate, manufacturing, technology, and free zones reinforces the UAE’s long-term economic diversification strategy.
Source: Emirates NBD Research, fDi Markets (H1 2025 Greenfield FDI Report)