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 is a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, highlighting a substantial rise in UAE investments held abroad. These overseas assets now span major global economies, emerging markets, and numerous industries across the world.
The UAE’s international investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics also play a prominent role in the country’s foreign holdings. Sovereign wealth funds, state-affiliated enterprises, and private firms all contribute to these international investments, with assets spread across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures serve as a broad indicator of the UAE’s position as a major source of cross-border capital flows.
Global foreign direct investment experienced a resurgence in 2025. UN Trade and Development estimates worldwide FDI at approximately $1.6 trillion, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed economies attracted around $723 billion, marking an 11% rise, while developing nations drew roughly $901 billion, up by 2%. The world’s top 20 host countries accounted for over 80% of total global investment, indicating that despite overall growth, foreign investment remains concentrated among leading destinations.
Sovereign entities continue to diversify their global holdings
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a substantial portion of its global portfolio in North America, which comprises 44% of its total investments and includes more than 80 direct holdings. Mubadala reports assets under management of about $170 billion across North America. Europe accounts for 15%, while Asia-Pacific makes up 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean together represent 1%. Its investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across several key markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also allocates capital across diverse regions, with a long-term strategic goal of assigning 45% to 60% of assets to North America. Europe is targeted at 15% to 30%, emerging markets at 10% to 20%, and developed Asia at 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has emphasized the growth of the country’s international economic partnerships, supported by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that facilitate trade and investment ties with various partner nations.
Transport sector investments expand overseas footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s expanding global commercial reach. Throughout 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals domestically and internationally. Its offices are located in over 50 countries, with a broader network extending to 158 nations either directly or through representatives. The group’s operations include ports, maritime logistics, and economic zones across multiple trade routes. Its international presence spans 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 capital is now invested in mature economies and emerging markets across various sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows also saw an uptick. The combined total of annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets illustrates the scale of UAE investors’ foreign holdings, offering a clear view of the country’s growing international investment footprint.