The UAE’s dynamic capabilities and forward-thinking policies propel it to the forefront of global competitiveness

The UAE has solidified its position as a top global destination for lucrative investment opportunities and a significant player in the global economy. In 2023, the UAE acquired 45.4% of the total foreign direct investments flowing to the Arab countries, totaling 248.3 billion dirhams. This growth has been attributed to economic diversification and a conducive environment for sustainable development, allowing the UAE to remain at the forefront of attractive investment locations in the Arab world and regionally.

According to the 2024 Global Foreign Direct Investment Report by UNCTAD, the UAE saw a remarkable 35% increase in foreign direct investment flows, reaching 112.6 billion dirhams in 2023. The country’s attractiveness to investors is further enhanced by its flexible and competitive capabilities and policies for establishing businesses, especially in emerging sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, space sciences, and healthcare.

With integrated economic development plans and a visionary leadership, the UAE has become a model for economic performance and investment environment competitiveness. Key factors such as a proactive government vision, a free economy model, empowering investors, and a strategic location have made the UAE the most attractive economic and investment destination in the Middle East and North Africa, drawing interest from investors worldwide.

Legislation amendments, such as the Commercial Companies Law allowing 100% foreign ownership, have led to the establishment of over 275,000 new companies within a year and a half, bringing the total number of companies in the UAE to over 788,000 by the end of 2023. This advanced and flexible legal environment has encouraged foreign investors to establish companies in various economic sectors and activities, further stimulating investment.

The UAE continues to collaborate with government and private sectors to achieve the goals of its “We are the UAE 2031” vision, aiming to double the gross domestic product to 3 trillion dirhams and increase non-oil foreign trade to 4 trillion dirhams. The country ranked second in the world for new foreign direct investment projects in 2023, registering 1,323 new projects with a growth rate of about 33% compared to the previous year.