ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – According to UN Trade and Development, the UAE’s outward foreign direct investment totaled $63.353 billion during 2025. The nation’s cumulative outward FDI stock reached $402.729 billion by the year’s end. This is a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, illustrating a substantial growth in the value of UAE investments held abroad. These overseas assets now span leading economies, emerging markets, and a diverse array of industries worldwide.
The UAE’s global investment portfolio encompasses sectors such as energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and real estate. Infrastructure projects, ports, and logistics also constitute a considerable portion of the country’s international assets. These holdings are backed by sovereign investors, state-linked firms, and private sector companies, with investments reaching across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other regions. These figures highlight the UAE’s prominent role as a key provider of cross-border investment capital.
Worldwide foreign direct investment rebounded in 2025. UN Trade and Development estimates global FDI at roughly $1.6 trillion, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. Developed nations attracted about $723 billion, up 11%, while developing economies drew approximately $901 billion, a 2% rise. The top 20 host economies globally received over 80% of total investment flows, indicating that international investment remains concentrated among leading destinations despite the overall growth.
Sovereign entities sustain diverse global portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company maintains a large share of its global holdings in North America, which accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports assets under management of around $170 billion in North America alone. Europe makes up 15%, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean represent an additional 1%. Its investments span technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance, and infrastructure across several key markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also distributes its capital across multiple regions. Its long-term strategic allocation assigns 45% to 60% of assets to North America, with Europe targeted at 15% to 30%. Emerging markets are allocated 10% to 20%, and developed Asia receives 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has emphasized the country’s expanding global economic ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which facilitate trade and investment with partner nations.
Transport sector expands overseas investment footprint
AD Ports Group exemplifies the UAE’s international commercial presence. In 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across domestic and international markets. It also maintained offices in over 50 countries, with its broader network reaching 158 nations either directly or through representatives. The group’s operations include ports, maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across various trade corridors, with activity extending into Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward FDI stock has grown more than seven times, with the latest figures placing total overseas investment above $400 billion for 2025. UAE capital now reaches mature economies and emerging markets across many sectors. After two years of decline, global investment flows also experienced an uptick. The combination of annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets illustrates the scale of UAE investors’ overseas holdings and underscores the country’s expanding international investment footprint.