ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) amounted to $63.353 billion in 2025, bringing the total FDI stock held abroad to $402.729 billion by year’s end. This marks a significant rise from $55.560 billion in 2010, reflecting a substantial expansion in the value of UAE investments overseas. Today, UAE capital is invested across major economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The country’s international investment portfolio spans sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure, ports, and logistics also constitute a notable portion of the UAE’s global footprint. These holdings are supported by sovereign investors, state-affiliated firms, and private enterprises, with assets spread across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. The figures serve as an indicator of the UAE’s prominent role as a key source of cross-border investment capital.
Global foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed economies attracted about $723 billion, up 11%, while developing nations drew roughly $901 billion, an increase of 2%. The world’s top 20 host countries received more than 80% of total global investment flows, indicating that despite overall growth, international investment remains concentrated among leading destinations.
Sovereign investors sustain global portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company allocates a significant portion of its international holdings to North America, which accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes over 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports assets under management of approximately $170 billion in North America alone. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%, and Latin America and the Caribbean represent 1%. The investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various key markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also distributes its capital across multiple regions, with a strategic long-term allocation of 45% to 60% of assets to North America. Europe receives a target range of 15% to 30%, while emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, and developed Asia for 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has emphasized the country’s growing network of international economic ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport sector expands overseas investment presence
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s global commercial reach. In 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across domestic and international markets, maintaining offices in more than 50 countries. Its broader network of commercial operations reached 158 nations directly or through representatives. The group’s portfolio includes ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones spanning several trade corridors, with operations extending across 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. UAE capital now penetrates mature economies and emerging markets across numerous sectors. Following two years of decline, global investment flows have also seen an uptick. The combined data of annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets highlights the scale of UAE investors’ international presence, illustrating the country’s expanding global investment footprint.