ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a total of $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. By the end of the year, the country’s cumulative outward FDI stock had climbed to $402.729 billion, a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, reflecting a rapid growth in UAE-owned overseas investments. These latest figures highlight how international investment has become one of the country’s primary avenues for capital deployment globally. They also illustrate the remarkable expansion of the UAE’s overseas asset base over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now extends across six continents, encompassing a diverse array of sectors. These include energy, infrastructure, ports, logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. Capital from the UAE reaches both developed and emerging economies, with holdings and operational assets distributed throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. This extensive geographic reach involves investments by sovereign funds, state-linked entities, and private companies, covering some of the world’s largest investment markets.
The total for 2025 coincided with a broader rebound in global foreign direct investment. According to UN Trade and Development, worldwide FDI increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion after two years of decline. Investment flows into developed nations grew by 11%, reaching approximately $723 billion, while developing economies saw a modest 2% rise to $901 billion. The top 20 host countries globally attracted over 80% of all FDI. The report also emphasizes that FDI remains concentrated within a relatively small group of countries and sectors.
Major global markets host UAE capital
Mubadala Investment Company maintains one of the largest international portfolios among UAE entities. North America accounts for 44% of its global investments, with over 80 direct holdings and approximately $170 billion managed there. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean together constitute 1%. Mubadala’s investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrial enterprises, and infrastructure, demonstrating the extensive reach of a major UAE sovereign investor.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) maintains a broad global allocation. Its long-term strategic ranges allocate 45% to 60% of its portfolio to North America and 15% to 30% to Europe. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, with developed Asia comprising 5% to 10%. The Ministry of Foreign Trade attributes this extensive overseas presence to the UAE’s international economic relations and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which foster trade and investment ties with partner economies.
Ports and logistics companies broaden overseas influence
The UAE’s overseas investment footprint is further reflected in the activities of ports and logistics firms. In 2025, AD Ports Group managed 34 ports and terminals across its domestic and international operations. The company also maintained offices in over 50 countries and a commercial presence in 158 nations, either directly or via representatives. Its operations link port infrastructure with maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones along key trade corridors. The group’s expansion spans Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward investment stock has increased more than sevenfold, based on recent UN data. The investments in 2025 covered both established markets and developing regions across multiple industries. Meanwhile, the global FDI environment has resumed growth after two years of decline. UNCTAD’s 2026 report monitors both annual investment flows and accumulated foreign investment stocks by economy. These figures illustrate the vast scale of UAE capital already invested abroad and the extensive scope of the nation’s international investment portfolio.