UAE outward FDI flows reach $63.35 billion in 2025: UNCTAD

The UAE has consolidated its position as a major international investor, building a broad and diversified portfolio spanning six continents and strategic sectors including energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, industry, real estate, financial services and healthcare.

According to the latest data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), outward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from the UAE reached $63.353 billion in 2025, while the country’s outward FDI stock stood at $402.729 billion at the end of the year, compared with $55.560 billion in 2010.

Global FDI flows, meanwhile, reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026.

UAE investments span both advanced and emerging economies across six continents.

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

Across Europe and Asia, UAE investments extend to renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, industry, real estate, life sciences and healthcare. Europe accounts for 15% of Mubadala’s portfolio and Asia-Pacific for 13%, while Latin America and the Caribbean represent 1%.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s (ADIA) strategy similarly reflects broad geographic diversification. Its long-term strategic portfolio allocation ranges from 45% to 60% for North America, 15% to 30% for Europe, 10% to 20% for emerging markets and 5% to 10% for developed Asia.

In Africa, UAE investments span sectors including logistics, ports, energy and infrastructure, while investments in Australia and the Pacific include logistics and energy, further demonstrating the global reach of UAE capital.

Ports and logistics provide a prominent example of the international expansion of UAE companies. DP World operates in more than 80 countries through a network of more than 590 business units.

AD Ports Group has also significantly expanded its international footprint. By the end of 2025, the Group operated its own offices in more than 50 countries and had a commercial presence in 158 countries, either directly or through representatives, with 34 ports and terminals in the UAE and internationally. Officials and experts told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the geographic spread of UAE investments, including across Southeast Asia and South and Central America, reflects the country’s growing international investment presence, alongside its continued ability to attract capital from around the world.

Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, said the UAE had built a broad and geographically diversified international investment presence, supported by a clear approach to strengthening cooperation with other countries and developing economic and trade partnerships that open new markets and opportunities for national investments.

He said the UAE’s approach is based on economic openness and creating an enabling environment that allows investors to capitalise on opportunities across different markets.

Al Gergawi noted that UAE investments now extend across South and Central America, Africa and other regions offering favourable investment environments. At the same time, the UAE continues to attract investment from around the world.

He highlighted the strength of UAE investment in Africa, noting that the country had become the largest investor in the continent over the past four years. Al Gergawi said the UAE’s expanding overseas investment footprint is supported by its network of international economic relationships and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs).

He added that CEPAs support two-way investment flows, both into the UAE and from the UAE into partner economies, as the country continues to conclude further agreements.

The UAE, he said, takes a responsible approach to international investment, seeking not only financial returns but also a positive impact on host economies and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Global Foundation, said UAE capital had become increasingly sophisticated, diversified and globally distributed, with sovereign wealth funds and family offices establishing long-term strategic positions in markets including Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

He said UAE investors were increasingly acting as partnership builders rather than simply providers of capital, drawing on governance expertise, regulatory knowledge and institutional networks to support cross-border initiatives.

This role, he added, strengthens the UAE’s position as a global investment hub and its growing role in connecting international capital with high-potential markets and opportunities.

WAM