UAE overseas investment reaches $63bn in 2025, UN says

UAE outward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows reached $63.353 billion in 2025, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported the figure.

The UAE's outward FDI stock stood at $402.729 billion at the end of the year.

How much did the UAE invest abroad in 2025?

The UAE invested $63.353 billion abroad in 2025 through outward FDI flows. Its outward FDI stock ended the year at $402.729 billion, up from $55.560 billion in 2010. Global FDI flows reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026.

Where do UAE investments go?

The UAE has built a diversified portfolio across six continents. Key sectors include energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, industry, real estate, financial services and healthcare.

In North America, UAE investments cover technology, energy and industry. The region accounts for 44% of Mubadala Investment Company's portfolio. Mubadala has more than 80 direct investments and $170 billion in assets under management there.

Europe makes up 15% of Mubadala's portfolio and Asia-Pacific 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean account for 1%.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) also spreads its investments widely. Its long-term strategic allocation ranges from 45% to 60% for North America and 15% to 30% for Europe. Emerging markets get 10% to 20%, and developed Asia 5% to 10%.

In Africa, UAE investments span logistics, ports, energy and infrastructure. In Australia and the Pacific, they include logistics and energy.

How have UAE ports and logistics firms expanded abroad?

DP World operates in more than 80 countries through more than 590 business units.

AD Ports Group had its own offices in more than 50 countries by the end of 2025. It had a commercial presence in 158 countries, directly or through representatives. The group has 34 ports and terminals in the UAE and abroad.

What do officials say about UAE outward FDI?

Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, said the UAE has built a broad international investment presence. He said this rests on cooperation with other countries and economic partnerships that open new markets.

He said the approach is based on economic openness and an enabling environment for investors. The UAE also continues to attract investment from around the world, he added.

Al Gergawi said UAE investments now reach South and Central America, Africa and other regions. He noted that the UAE has been the largest investor in Africa over the past four years.

He said the UAE's network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) supports this expansion. CEPAs boost two-way investment flows, and the country continues to conclude more of them.

The UAE takes a responsible approach to investment, he said. It seeks financial returns as well as a positive impact on host economies.

How do experts view UAE investment abroad?

Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Global Foundation, said UAE capital has become more sophisticated and globally distributed. Sovereign wealth funds and family offices hold long-term positions in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

He said UAE investors increasingly act as partnership builders, not just providers of capital. They draw on governance expertise, regulatory knowledge and institutional networks. This strengthens the UAE's position as a global investment hub, he added.

Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, called the UAE a leading investment model. He said the country attracts global investment and also directs its own capital into Arab and international markets.

He said the UAE has diversified both its domestic economy and its overseas investments, including in distant markets such as South America.