ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE registered outward foreign direct investment totaling $63.353 billion in 2025. By the end of that year, the nation’s cumulative outward FDI stock had grown to $402.729 billion. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion recorded in 2010, highlighting a rapid growth in UAE-owned overseas investments. These latest statistics position international investment as one of the most prominent avenues for the country to allocate capital globally. They also illustrate how the country’s overseas asset base has expanded over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now spans six continents and a diverse array of sectors. These include energy, infrastructure, ports, logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. UAE investments reach both advanced and emerging economies, with assets and operational holdings across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. These investments are made by sovereign funds, state-linked entities, and private enterprises. The geographic distribution encompasses several of the world’s largest investment markets.
The total for 2025 comes amid a broader rebound in global foreign direct investment. UN Trade and Development reported that worldwide FDI increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion after a period of decline over two years. Investment flows into developed economies grew by 11%, reaching approximately $723 billion, while developing nations saw a modest 2% rise to $901 billion. The top 20 host countries accounted for more than 80% of global FDI. The report also noted that investment remains concentrated among a small group of countries and sectors.
UAE’s international investments span key global markets
Mubadala Investment Company manages one of the UAE’s largest international portfolios. North America makes up 44% of its global holdings, with over 80 direct investments and approximately $170 billion under management in the region. Europe accounts for 15%, while Asia-Pacific represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean constitute 1%. The company’s investments cover sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrials, and infrastructure, emphasizing the extensive reach of a major UAE sovereign investor.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority maintains a broad geographic allocation. Its long-term strategic ranges allocate 45% to 60% of the portfolio to North America, 15% to 30% to Europe, and 10% to 20% to emerging markets. Developed Asia accounts for 5% to 10%. The Ministry of Foreign Trade links this overseas presence to the UAE’s international economic relationships and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which encompass trade and investment ties with partner economies.
Ports and logistics operations expand UAE’s overseas footprint
Ports and logistics firms serve as additional indicators of the UAE’s international investment reach. In 2025, AD Ports Group operated 34 ports and terminals across its domestic and international network. The company also had offices in more than 50 countries and a commercial presence across 158 nations, either directly or through representatives. Its operations connect port infrastructure with maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across several major trade routes. 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 the latest UN data. The 2025 investments covered both mature markets and developing regions across multiple sectors. Meanwhile, the global FDI environment has rebounded after two years of decline. UNCTAD’s 2026 report monitors annual investment flows and accumulated foreign investment stocks by economy, illustrating the extensive deployment of UAE capital abroad and the diversity of the country’s international investment portfolio.