According to the UAE’s Economic Report 2019 (PDF, 18.5 MB), the UAE was ranked 27th globally in 2018 (up by 3 positions from 2017), in terms of its ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The value of FDI inflow grew to about USD 10.385 billion in 2018 as compared to USD 10.354 billion in 2017.
The UAE ranked 1st in the Arab world, accounting for 36 per cent of the total FDI inflow to Arab countries in 2018. It ranked 2nd in the West Asia region with 35.5 per cent of total FDI inflow to the region and about 22 per cent of total annual FDI inflows to the Middle East and North Africa region.
The FDI in the UAE is mainly in the sectors of:
The main investors in the UAE are: Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, the United States of America, France, Austria, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and The Netherlands.
FDI projects may take any of the following legal forms:
The licensing authority and the competent authority in any of the emirates of the UAE, concerned with the affairs of foreign direct investment, each within its jurisdiction will specify the conditions and procedures required to establish and license foreign direct investment projects listed in the Positive list and the documents required in accordance with the provisions of the FDI law and other the federal or local laws in force. The following image shows steps for licensing FDI projects in the Positive list.
Learn about the business regulations applicable in the UAE and laws that are specific to the industry.
Check the UAE Foreign Direct Investments Dashboard from Ministry of Economy.
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government hub supporting investment in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADIO enables opportunities for domestic and foreign investors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities. ADIO offers a range of targeted programmes for private sector entities including competitive cash and non-cash incentives, small to medium enterprise (SME) enablement and public-private partnerships. CheckFDI programmes in ADIO.
Dubai FDI offers essential information and invaluable support to foreign companies who intend to invest in Dubai. Dubai FDI guides, advises and provides practical assistance with all aspects of business decisions and management, starting from determining the best legal structures to identifying the appropriate business activities. Check legal business forms for foreign investment in Dubai.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) launched Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) to promote a diverse set of investment opportunities in the emirate. Sharjah FDI Office helps investors to fully understand processes, investment advantages and insights on key sectors that fit their business profiles.
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