DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its position as one of the world’s major international investors, with outward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows reaching US$63.353 billion in 2025, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

UNCTAD data shows that the UAE’s outward FDI stock rose to US$402.729 billion at the end of 2025, a dramatic increase from US$55.560 billion in 2010.

The figures highlight the country’s growing influence across global markets, with UAE investments spanning six continents and strategic sectors including energy, ports and logistics, artificial intelligence, healthcare and technology.

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

The country’s sovereign wealth funds are playing a major role in driving its international investment strategy.

North America accounts for 44 percent of Mubadala Investment Company’s portfolio, with the fund holding more than 80 direct investments and approximately US$170 billion in assets under management.

Europe accounts for 15 percent of Mubadala’s portfolio, while the Asia-Pacific region represents 13 percent. Latin America and the Caribbean account for 1 percent.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has adopted a similarly diversified global strategy, allocating between 45 and 60 percent of its long-term portfolio to North America and between 15 and 30 percent to Europe.

The UAE’s global investment footprint is also evident in the ports and logistics sector.

DP World operates in more than 80 countries through over 590 business units, while AD Ports Group had offices in more than 50 countries and a commercial presence in 158 countries by the end of 2025.

Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, said the UAE’s investment strategy was built around economic openness and stronger international partnerships.

He said the UAE had emerged as Africa’s largest investor over the past four years, with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements helping to facilitate greater two-way investment between the UAE and its international partners.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of the AIM Global Foundation, said UAE investors were increasingly positioning themselves as partners in economic development rather than simply providers of capital.

Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, meanwhile, described the UAE as a leading model for investment and international economic cooperation.

The expanding investment footprint underscores the UAE’s broader strategy of using capital, trade partnerships and strategic investments to strengthen its position as a global economic hub.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)