United Arab Emirates
The Middle East's trade and finance hub and consistently the region's top FDI destination, with national strategies in AI and advanced industry.
United Arab Emirates
A diversified, open economy: trade, logistics, finance, tourism and a fast-growing digital sector generate most output, anchored by Dubai's connectivity and Abu Dhabi's capital strength.
Full onshore foreign ownership, 40+ free zones, long-term Golden Visas and national strategies for AI and advanced industry keep the UAE the Middle East's top FDI destination.
Focus sectors
Trade & logistics · financial services · AI & digital · tourism · manufacturing
Global rankings
- #5 of 69 — IMD World Competitiveness Ranking (2025)
- #30 — Global Innovation Index, WIPO (2025)
- Top 12 — World Bank Logistics Performance Index (2023)
- Top 10 — Kearney FDI Confidence Index (2026)
- AA — S&P sovereign credit rating (2025)
Rankings as published by each institution; positions change annually — verify before formal use.
Sources: World Bank · IMF · UAE Ministry of Investment
