ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) 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, illustrating a rapid growth in the value of UAE-held overseas investments. These latest figures highlight international investment as one of the nation’s key avenues for deploying capital globally. They also reflect how much the country’s overseas asset base has expanded over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now spans six continents and encompasses a diverse array of industries. 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 across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. The scale involves investments by sovereign funds, state-linked groups, and private sector enterprises. This broad geographic presence includes some of the world’s largest investment markets.
The total for 2025 coincided with a wider recovery in global foreign direct investment. UN Trade and Development reported that worldwide FDI increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion after two years of decline. Investment into developed economies rose 11% to roughly $723 billion, while developing economies experienced a 2% increase, reaching $901 billion. More than 80% of global FDI was directed toward the top 20 host economies. The report also indicates that investment remains concentrated in a relatively small group of countries and sectors.
UAE’s global investment reach extends across major markets
Mubadala Investment Company manages one of the largest international portfolios for the country. North America accounts for 44% of its total investments, with over 80 direct investments and approximately $170 billion under management there. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific represents 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean together comprise 1%. Mubadala’s holdings span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrial businesses, and infrastructure, demonstrating the extensive geographical scope of one of the UAE’s major sovereign investors.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also maintains a diversified geographic distribution. Its long-term strategic allocations range from 45% to 60% for North America, and from 15% to 30% for Europe. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, with developed Asia representing 5% to 10%. The Ministry of Foreign Trade links this broader overseas presence to the UAE’s international economic relations and its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment ties with partner nations.
Ports and logistics firms enhance the UAE’s overseas investment footprint
Ports and logistics companies serve as another indicator of the UAE’s expanding overseas investment presence. In 2025, AD Ports Group managed 34 ports and terminals across its domestic and international network. The company also maintained offices in more than 50 countries and had a commercial presence in 158 countries, either directly or via representatives. Its operations link port infrastructure with maritime transportation, logistics, and economic zones across key trade routes. The group has broadened its reach across 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 established markets and developing regions across numerous industries. Simultaneously, the global FDI environment has rebounded 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 extensive scope of the country’s international investment base.