ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) totaled $63.353 billion, as reported by UN Trade and Development. By the end of that year, the country’s total outward FDI stock had grown to $402.729 billion. This represents an increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, highlighting a significant expansion in the value of investments held abroad by UAE entities. These overseas assets now span key economies, emerging markets, and various sectors worldwide.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio includes industries such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics also constitute a sizable part of the nation’s foreign holdings. Sovereign wealth funds, state-affiliated companies, and private firms all contribute to this global presence. Their investments are distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions, illustrating the UAE’s prominent role as a major provider of cross-border capital.
Worldwide foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025, with UN Trade and Development estimating global FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, reflecting a 6% rise from the previous year. Developed nations attracted around $723 billion, marking an 11% increase, while developing economies drew roughly $901 billion, up 2%. The top 20 global host economies received over 80% of total international investment flows. These figures demonstrate that, despite overall growth, foreign investment remains concentrated in leading markets.
Sovereign entities sustain international portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a substantial share of its global investments in North America, accounting for 44% of its portfolio and encompassing more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala’s assets under management in North America are valued at approximately $170 billion. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean represent an additional 1%. Their investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across numerous major markets.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority allocates its capital across various regions, with a strategic range of 45% to 60% of assets in North America. Europe’s share is targeted at 15% to 30%, emerging markets comprise 10% to 20%, and developed Asia receives 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade emphasizes the country’s growing international economic ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport industry expands overseas investment footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding global business reach. In 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals domestically and internationally, with offices in more than 50 countries. Its broader commercial network spans 158 nations directly or via representatives. The group integrates ports, maritime transportation, logistics, and economic zones across multiple trade corridors, with operations extending throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has increased more than sevenfold. The latest data indicates the total overseas investment stock surpassed $400 billion in 2025. UAE capital now reaches mature economies and emerging markets across a wide array of industries. After two years of decline, global investment flows have also picked up, demonstrating the scale of foreign assets held by UAE investors. This data provides a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint.