ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) 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. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, illustrating a substantial expansion in the value of UAE investments abroad. Today, UAE capital is invested in major economies, emerging markets, and a wide array of sectors across the globe.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio encompasses industries such as energy, transportation, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure, ports, and logistics also constitute a considerable portion of the country’s overseas assets. Contributions come from sovereign investors, state-affiliated firms, and private enterprises, with their holdings spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures serve as a broad indicator of the UAE’s role as a key source of cross-border investment capital.
Global foreign direct investment experienced a resurgence in 2025. According to UN Trade and Development, worldwide FDI reached approximately $1.6 trillion, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed nations attracted around $723 billion, an 11% rise, while developing economies drew roughly $901 billion, up 2%. The world’s top 20 host countries received over 80% of total global investment flows, indicating that despite overall growth, international investment remains concentrated among leading destinations.
Sovereign entities sustain diverse global investment portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a substantial share of its global holdings in North America, which accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala’s assets under management in North America are approximately $170 billion. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific comprises 13%, and Latin America and the Caribbean account for an additional 1%. Its investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various major markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority allocates funds across multiple regions, with a long-term strategic target of 45% to 60% of assets in 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 has also emphasized the country’s expanding international economic network, supported by its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that facilitate trade and investment partnerships with various economies.
Transport sector entities bolster overseas investment footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s international commercial outreach. Throughout 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across domestic and international markets, maintaining offices in more than 50 countries. Its extensive commercial network reached 158 nations directly or via representatives. The group integrates ports, maritime logistics, and economic zones across multiple trade routes, with operations spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than seven times. The latest figures indicate that total overseas investments exceeded $400 billion in 2025. UAE investors’ capital now extends into mature economies and emerging markets across various sectors. Additionally, global investment flows rose after two years of decline. The combined data on annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets underscores the scale of UAE capital abroad and highlights the nation’s growing international investment influence.