ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – The UAE achieved an outward foreign direct investment total of $63.353 billion in 2025, according to UN Trade and Development. By the close of that year, the country’s overall outward FDI stock had grown to $402.729 billion. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, illustrating a rapid expansion in the value of UAE investments overseas. These recent figures highlight how international investment has become one of the nation’s key avenues for deploying capital globally. They also reflect the substantial growth of the country’s overseas asset base over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now reaches across six continents and encompasses a broad spectrum of industries. These include energy, infrastructure, ports, logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. UAE capital extends into both developed and emerging economies, with holdings and operational assets across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. This widespread geographic presence involves sovereign funds, state-linked groups, and private companies, covering some of the world’s largest investment markets.
The total for 2025 coincides with a broader trend of recovery in global foreign direct investment. UN Trade and Development reported a 6% increase worldwide, reaching $1.6 trillion after two years of decline. Investment into developed economies grew by 11%, totaling around $723 billion, while developing economies experienced a 2% rise to $901 billion. The top 20 host countries attracted over 80% of global FDI. The report also indicates that investment remains concentrated in a relatively small group of nations and sectors.
UAE capital extends its reach across major global markets
Mubadala Investment Company holds one of the largest international portfolios among UAE entities. North America accounts for 44% of its investments, with over 80 direct investments and approximately $170 billion under management there. Europe makes up 15%, while the Asia-Pacific region represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean contribute 1%. Mubadala’s holdings span sectors including technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrial operations, and infrastructure. These figures emphasize the extensive global reach of one of the UAE’s major sovereign investors.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority maintains a diversified geographic allocation. Its long-term strategic ranges allocate 45% to 60% of assets to North America, 15% to 30% to Europe, 10% to 20% to emerging markets, and 5% to 10% to developed Asia. The Ministry of Foreign Trade links this broad overseas presence to the UAE’s international economic partnerships and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Ports and logistics firms bolster UAE’s international investment footprint
Ports and logistics companies serve as another indicator of the UAE’s overseas investment footprint. In 2025, AD Ports Group operated 34 ports and terminals across its domestic and international network. The company also maintained offices in over 50 countries and had a commercial presence in 158 countries, either directly or through representatives. Its activities connect port infrastructure with maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across several key 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, according to the latest UN data. In 2025, investments covered established markets and developing regions across various industries. Meanwhile, the global FDI environment has returned to growth after two years of decline. UNCTAD’s 2026 report tracks annual investment flows and accumulated foreign investment stocks by country, illustrating the scale of UAE capital already deployed abroad and the broad scope of the nation’s international investment portfolio.