ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment totaled $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. By year’s end, the country’s total outward FDI stock had climbed to $402.729 billion, up from $55.560 billion in 2010. This significant rise highlights a substantial expansion in UAE investments abroad, which now span leading economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The UAE’s global investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure, ports, and logistics form a key part of its international footprint. These assets are held by sovereign investors, state-linked firms, and private enterprises, with holdings across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures underscore the UAE’s prominent role as a major source of cross-border capital flows.
Worldwide foreign direct investment also experienced growth in 2025. According to UN Trade and Development, global FDI reached approximately $1.6 trillion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed nations received around $723 billion, an 11% rise, while developing economies attracted about $901 billion, up 2%. The top 20 host economies globally garnered over 80% of total investment flows, indicating continued concentration in leading markets despite overall growth.
Sovereign entities maintain diverse international portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company allocates a significant portion of its global holdings to North America, which accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports assets under management of approximately $170 billion across North America. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%, with Latin America and the Caribbean representing 1%. Its investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across major markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority distributes its assets across various regions, with a strategic long-term allocation of 45% to 60% to North America. Europe is targeted for 15% to 30%, emerging markets for 10% to 20%, and developed Asia for 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade also emphasizes the country’s expanding international economic relationships through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment links with partner nations.
Transport and logistics firms expand overseas footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s global commercial reach, operating 34 ports and terminals in 2025 across domestic and international markets. The company maintains offices in over 50 countries and has a broader network extending to 158 nations through direct presence or representatives. Its operations include ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than seven times, with the latest figures surpassing $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now invests in mature economies and emerging markets across various sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows also saw an uptick, illustrating the scale of foreign assets held by UAE investors. These figures offer a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint and the expanding scope of its overseas capital.