Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE is strengthening its position as a major global investor, with outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching $63.353 billion in 2025, according to the latest data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The UAE’s outward FDI stock also reached $402.729 billion by the end of 2025, up sharply from $55.560 billion in 2010.
The figures highlight the growing scale of UAE capital moving into international markets. They also show that the UAE is not only attracting foreign investment but is becoming an important source of investment for businesses and projects outside the country.
UAE Capital Reaches Global Markets
The latest figures show that UAE investments now have a presence across six continents and a wide range of sectors. These include energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, industry, real estate, financial services and healthcare.
Global FDI flows reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026. However, UNCTAD has noted that global investment growth remains uneven and that headline FDI figures do not always mean new factories, jobs or technology projects.
For the UAE, the latest data points to a broad international investment footprint rather than activity in one market or sector.
Major Investment Hubs Show the Scale
The geographic spread can be seen in the portfolios of major UAE investment institutions.
North America accounts for 44% of Mubadala Investment Company’s portfolio, while Europe represents 15% and Asia-Pacific 13%. Mubadala has more than 80 direct investments and around $170 billion in assets under management.
ADIA also maintains a diversified international portfolio, with strategic allocation ranges covering North America, Europe, emerging markets and developed Asia.
UAE companies are also expanding their international presence. DP World operates in more than 80 countries through more than 590 business units. AD Ports Group had offices in more than 50 countries and a commercial presence in 158 countries by the end of 2025.
What Does This Mean for UAE Businesses?
The growth in outward FDI is relevant beyond sovereign investment institutions. UAE companies, family businesses and private investors looking at overseas expansion may increasingly consider international subsidiaries, joint ventures and other investment structures.
However, moving capital into another country requires careful planning. Businesses need to understand the structure of an overseas investment, its financial reporting requirements, and the tax obligations that may apply in different jurisdictions.
A strong business planning and strategy process can help companies assess whether overseas expansion fits their wider commercial goals.
Businesses should also review their due diligence before entering an overseas investment or partnership. This can help them understand the structure, ownership, and commercial position of the investment before committing capital.
Financial and Tax Planning Also Matter
International expansion can create new reporting and compliance responsibilities. UAE businesses should maintain accurate bookkeeping and financial records for overseas operations and ensure that transactions are properly recorded.
Companies should also review their tax and compliance position when investments or business activities cross borders. The tax treatment of income, transactions, and overseas structures can vary depending on the jurisdictions involved.
For larger businesses, budgeting and forecasting can also help management assess the financial impact of international expansion and plan for future investment requirements.
What Should Investors Do Now?
Businesses considering international investments should review the target market, ownership structure, financial arrangements, and regulatory requirements before committing capital.
They should not treat the latest FDI figures as a guarantee of returns or assume that every international market offers the same opportunity. Instead, each investment should be assessed based on its own structure, risks, and commercial objectives.
The UAE’s $63.35 billion outward FDI in 2025 shows the growing scale of international capital deployment from the country. For businesses seeking to expand overseas, proper planning, financial management and professional advice can help turn an international investment strategy into a well-managed business decision.
Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) can support UAE businesses with business planning and strategy, due diligence services, bookkeeping, tax and compliance, and budgeting and forecasting as they assess and manage international expansion.
