Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Ministry of Investment has released a whitepaper as announced this week by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, Mohammad Alhawi, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Titled ‘UAE Matures Into a Global FDI Magnet,’ the comprehensive report offers a detailed analysis of how the UAE’s fit-for-purpose platform enables high growth including through its investment-friendly environment, dedicated trading zones, strong credit rating, stable ties and trade agreements with global economic powers, and its role as a global trading hub and attractive talent destination.
The whitepaper was developed through stakeholder interviews and backed by extensive research and data, highlighting the UAE’s goal to become a diversified, innovation-driven global leader by 2031 and its strategic focus on sustainability and digital transformation.
The country has already achieved significant investment including $30.7 billion in foreign direct investments in 2023, representing a 35 percent year-on-year growth.
These figures place the country 11th globally for FDI inflows by value, as well as 2nd globally for total number of greenfield projects.
The report acts as a roadmap for continuing this ambitious growth to cement the UAE as a global investment hub, supported by forward-thinking policies, an investor-friendly regulatory environment, and the ability to attract high-value investments in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Commenting on the whitepaper, Alhawi said, “The findings from this whitepaper underscore the immense potential our nation’s investment landscape has to offer. The UAE remains steadfast in our commitment to future-proofing our economy, with economic diversification as the cornerstone of our strategy, and innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation as core driving principles. In line with our National Investment Strategy, the next decade will be focused on achieving our ambitious economic targets and positioning the UAE among the top 10 global destinations for foreign investments by 2031.”
“This whitepaper has been launched at a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainable economic growth. In the face of a challenging global landscape, it is crucial to build on our strong foundations to demonstrate that there has never been a better time to invest in the UAE. The UAE's commitment to fostering mutual growth and creating value-driven opportunities remains unwavering, and we invite investors and stakeholders from around the world to join us in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and innovative global economy,” he continued.
In written statements to WAM, Alhawai said that economic diversification and sustainability are fundamental pillars of the UAE’s National Investment Strategy.
“As of 2023, FDI accounted for six percent,” he added, noting that the UAE aims to increase FDI’s GDP contributions to eight percent under the National Investment Strategy.
On the total volume of capital inflows to the UAE, the ministry undersecretary said, “UAE received $16 billion in 2023, with significant investment from the Unites States ($3.8 billion), India ($3.3 billion) United Kingdom ($1.2 billion), France ($1.1 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($1.1 billion). Further, the UAE ranked 2nd globally after the United States in attracting greenfield FDI in 2023.Through our fit-for-purpose platform, investor friendly environment, and unparalleled connectivity to global markets, trade and capital, and talent, the UAE has emerged as an investment magnet, creating lasting value for investors and contributing to the broader global economy.”
He added, “Under the banner of ‘We the UAE 2031,’ we are aiming to build a diversified innovation-driven economy supported by the National Investment Strategy. FDI is an essential cornerstone of this vision, acting as a catalyst for GDP growth, and encouraging an entrepreneurial environment through the creation of a business-focused ecosystem. This is underpinned by robust hard infrastructure, cutting-edge digital capabilities, and comprehensive soft infrastructure, including bilateral agreements and enhanced market access through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). These elements collectively establish a foundation for innovation, resilience, and global connectivity, enabling businesses to thrive in an interconnected world.”
Alhawi stressed that the UAE serves as a leading example of how an investor-centric approach to policy and regulatory frameworks can drive both business sustainability and economic growth.
“Under the banner of ‘We the UAE 2031’, we are aiming to build a diversified innovation-driven economy supported by the National Investment Strategy.”
