ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment reached $63.353 billion in 2025. By the end of that year, the country’s total outward FDI stock had climbed to $402.729 billion. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, highlighting a rapid growth in UAE-owned overseas investments. These latest figures underscore the importance of international investment as one of the country’s key channels for capital deployment globally. They also illustrate the substantial expansion of the UAE’s overseas asset base over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now extends across six continents and encompasses 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 advanced and emerging economies, with holdings and operational assets spread across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. The scale of these investments involves sovereign funds, state-linked entities, and private companies, covering some of the world’s largest investment markets.
The total for 2025 reflects 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 flows into developed economies grew by 11% to approximately $723 billion, while developing nations experienced a 2% rise to $901 billion. Over 80% of global FDI was concentrated in the top 20 host economies. The report also indicated that investment remains focused within a relatively small group of countries and sectors.
UAE’s investment reaches key global markets
Mubadala Investment Company maintains one of the largest international portfolios among UAE entities. North America accounts for 44% of its holdings, with over 80 direct investments and around $170 billion managed there. Europe makes up 15%, while the Asia-Pacific region holds 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean comprise 1%. Mubadala’s investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrial enterprises, and infrastructure, illustrating the extensive geographic reach of this major UAE sovereign investor.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority distributes its assets across various regions. Its long-term strategic allocations typically assign 45% to 60% of the portfolio to North America and 15% to 30% to Europe. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, and developed Asia for 5% to 10%. The Ministry of Foreign Trade links this broader international presence to the UAE’s economic relationships and its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Ports and logistics companies bolster UAE’s overseas footprint
AD Ports Group operated 34 ports and terminals across its domestic and international network during 2025. The company also maintained offices in over 50 countries and a commercial presence in 158 nations, either directly or through representatives. Its operations link port infrastructure with maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones along major trade routes. The group’s expansion has extended throughout 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 span established markets and emerging regions across multiple industries. Meanwhile, the global FDI environment has rebounded after two years of decline. UNCTAD’s 2026 report tracks both annual investment flows and the accumulated foreign investment stocks by country. These figures demonstrate the scale of UAE capital already deployed abroad and the extensive reach of its international investment portfolio.