ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – In 2025, the UAE invested $63.353 billion abroad, according to UN Trade and Development. By the end of the year, the country’s total outward foreign direct investment stock had climbed to $402.729 billion. This marks a significant increase from $55.560 billion in 2010, highlighting a rapid rise in the value of UAE-owned investments overseas. The latest data underscores how international investment has become one of the country’s primary methods for deploying capital across global markets and illustrates the substantial growth of the UAE’s overseas asset portfolio over the past 15 years.
The UAE’s investment footprint now extends across six continents and encompasses a diverse array of sectors. These include energy, infrastructure, ports, logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. UAE capital reaches both developed and emerging economies, with holdings and operational assets across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. These investments involve sovereign funds, state-linked entities, and private companies, covering some of the world’s largest investment markets.
The 2025 total reflects a broader rebound in global foreign direct investment. UN Trade and Development reported that worldwide FDI increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion after two years of decline. Investment flows into developed countries grew by 11% to roughly $723 billion, while developing economies saw a 2% rise to $901 billion. Over 80% of global FDI was concentrated in the top 20 host economies. The report also highlights that investment remains focused within a relatively small group of countries and sectors.
UAE’s investments reach key global markets
Mubadala Investment Company boasts one of the largest international portfolios among UAE entities. North America accounts for 44% of its global holdings, with over 80 direct investments and approximately $170 billion managed there. Europe makes up 15% of Mubadala’s portfolio, and Asia-Pacific contributes 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean represent 1%. Mubadala’s investments span sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, financial services, industrial enterprises, and infrastructure. These figures emphasize the extensive geographical reach of one of the UAE’s key sovereign investors.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also maintains a broad international distribution. Its long-term strategic allocations assign 45% to 60% of its portfolio to North America, and 15% to 30% to Europe. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, while developed Asia represents 5% to 10%. The Ministry of Foreign Trade attributes this expansive overseas presence to the UAE’s international economic partnerships and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, which foster trade and investment ties with various partner nations.
Ports and logistics companies extend UAE’s global reach
Ports and logistics firms serve as another indicator of the UAE’s overseas investment footprint. In 2025, AD Ports Group operated 34 ports and terminals domestically and internationally. The company also maintained offices in over 50 countries and had a commercial presence in 158 countries, either directly or through representatives. Its operations link port infrastructure with maritime transport, logistics, and economic zones across major trade routes. The group has expanded its presence in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2010, the UAE’s outward investment stock has grown more than sevenfold, based on the latest UN data. The investments in 2025 covered established markets and emerging regions across various industries. Meanwhile, the global FDI environment rebounded after two years of decline. UNCTAD’s 2026 report tracks both annual investment flows and accumulated foreign investment stocks by country. These figures demonstrate the scale of UAE capital already invested abroad and the broad scope of the country’s international investment portfolio.