ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025 amounted to $63.353 billion. By the end of the year, the country’s total outward FDI stock had increased to $402.729 billion. This compares to $55.560 billion recorded in 2010, illustrating a significant expansion in UAE investments held abroad. These overseas assets now span major economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure, ports, and logistics form a substantial part of the country’s foreign holdings as well. Contributions from sovereign investors, state-linked firms, and private enterprises collectively constitute these international assets, which are spread 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 experienced renewed growth in 2025. UN Trade and Development estimates worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, reflecting a 6% rise from the previous year. Developed economies attracted around $723 billion, an 11% increase, while developing markets drew approximately $901 billion, up by 2%. The top 20 host economies globally received over 80% of all international investment flows, indicating that despite overall growth, foreign investments remain concentrated in leading countries.
Sovereign entities sustain their global investment strategies
Mubadala Investment Company allocates a significant portion of its global assets to North America, which accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala’s assets under management in North America are approximately $170 billion. Europe makes up 15%, while the Asia-Pacific region represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean constitute another 1%. The company’s investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across numerous key markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also distributes its capital across various regions, with a long-term strategic range of 45% to 60% of assets allocated to North America. Europe receives a target share of 15% to 30%, while emerging markets account for 10% to 20%. Developed Asia is designated 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has emphasized the country’s growing international economic ties through comprehensive economic partnership agreements covering trade and investment with partner economies.
Transport and logistics firms expand their overseas footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding international commercial influence. In 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across both domestic and foreign markets. It also maintained offices in over 50 countries. Its broader commercial network reached 158 nations directly or via representatives. The group’s operations include ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones along various trade routes. Its international presence extends throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold, with total overseas investments surpassing $400 billion in 2025. Capital from the UAE now reaches mature economies and developing markets across multiple sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows rebounded, highlighting the scale of UAE capital abroad. These figures reveal the breadth of the country’s growing international investment footprint and the significant role it plays in global markets.