ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) during 2025 totaled $63.353 billion. By the end of the year, the country’s total outward FDI stock had reached $402.729 billion, a significant rise from $55.560 billion in 2010. This growth indicates a substantial expansion in the value of UAE investments held abroad, now covering major economies, emerging markets, and a wide array of industries globally.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio includes sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics form a notable part of its overseas holdings. These assets are managed by sovereign investors, state-affiliated companies, and private enterprises, with investments spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures highlight the UAE’s prominent role as a key provider of cross-border investment capital.
Global foreign direct investment experienced renewed growth in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed nations attracted around $723 billion, an 11% rise, while developing economies drew roughly $901 billion, up 2%. The world’s 20 largest host countries received more than 80% of total global FDI, indicating that despite overall growth, international investment remains concentrated among top destinations.
Sovereign entities sustain global investment strategies
Mubadala Investment Company allocates a considerable portion of its global portfolio to North America, which accounts for 44% of its holdings and includes over 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports approximately $170 billion in assets under management across North America. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%, with Latin America and the Caribbean representing an additional 1%. Its investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various major markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority distributes capital across multiple regions, with a strategic allocation of 45% to 60% of assets in North America. Europe’s share ranges from 15% to 30%, and emerging markets comprise 10% to 20%. Developed Asia receives between 5% and 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade emphasizes the country’s growing international economic ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport sector expands overseas investment footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding international commercial reach. In 2025, it managed 34 ports and terminals across domestic and foreign markets, with offices in more than 50 countries. Its broader network extends to 158 nations, either directly or via representatives. The group integrates ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones along several trade routes, with operations spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold. The latest data indicates that total overseas investments exceeded $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now reaches both mature economies and emerging markets across diverse sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows have also risen, illustrating the scale of capital UAE investors hold abroad. These figures offer a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint.