ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) was valued at $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. By year-end, the country’s total outward FDI stock had reached $402.729 billion. This marks a substantial increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, reflecting a significant growth in the value of UAE investments abroad. Today, UAE capital is invested across major economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The scope of the UAE’s international investment portfolio spans sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics services also constitute a notable portion of the country’s overseas holdings. These assets are held by sovereign investors, state-linked entities, and private firms, with investments extending across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures serve as a broad indicator of the UAE’s significant role as a source of cross-border investment capital.
Global FDI activity experienced a resurgence in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed economies attracted about $723 billion, an 11% rise, while developing nations drew roughly $901 billion, up 2%. The world’s top 20 host economies received more than 80% of total global investment flows, indicating that, despite overall growth, foreign investment remains concentrated among leading markets.
Sovereign Funds Continue Diversified Global Portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a substantial share of its international assets in North America, accounting for 44% of its portfolio and encompassing over 80 direct investments. Mubadala’s assets under management in North America are approximately $170 billion. Europe constitutes 15%, while Asia-Pacific makes up 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean together represent an additional 1%. The firm’s investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across various key markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) also distributes its capital across several regions. Its long-term strategic allocations assign 45% to 60% of assets to North America, with Europe receiving 15% to 30%. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, and developed Asia holds 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has emphasized the expansion of the country’s international economic partnerships through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that facilitate trade and investment with various partner economies.
Transport Sector’s Role in Overseas Investment Expansion
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s extensive global commercial reach. In 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals within domestic and international markets. Its offices are present in over 50 countries, with a wider network reaching 158 nations either directly or via representatives. The group’s operations include ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across multiple trade routes. Its international presence extends into Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than seven times. The latest data indicates that total overseas investments exceeded $400 billion in 2025. UAE investors’ capital now reaches both mature and emerging economies across various sectors. Following two years of decline, global investment flows have rebounded, illustrating the scale of UAE capital abroad. These figures offer a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint and its increasing influence in global markets.