ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – The UAE recorded $63.353 billion in outward foreign direct investment during 2025, according to UN Trade and Development. The country’s total outward FDI stock reached $402.729 billion at the end of the year. That figure stood at $55.560 billion in 2010. The increase reflects a major expansion in the value of UAE investments held outside the country. Overseas capital now spans major economies, emerging markets and a broad range of industries worldwide.
The UAE’s international investment base covers energy, transport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare and real estate. Infrastructure, ports and logistics also account for a significant part of the country’s overseas presence. Sovereign investors, state-linked companies and private businesses all contribute to these international holdings. Their assets stretch across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and other markets. The figures provide a broad measure of the UAE’s role as a major source of cross-border investment capital.
Global foreign direct investment also returned to growth in 2025. UN Trade and Development put worldwide FDI at about $1.6 trillion, up 6% from the previous year. Developed economies received about $723 billion after an 11% increase. Developing economies attracted roughly $901 billion, a rise of 2%. The world’s 20 largest host economies received more than four-fifths of total global investment flows. Those figures show that international investment remained concentrated among leading destinations despite the overall increase.
Sovereign investors maintain global portfolios
Mubadala Investment Company holds a large share of its global portfolio in North America. The region accounts for 44% of its portfolio and includes more than 80 direct investments. Mubadala reports about $170 billion in assets under management across North America. Europe represents 15% of its global portfolio, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%. Latin America and the Caribbean represent another 1%. Its investments cover technology, energy, healthcare, industry, finance and infrastructure across several major markets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority also allocates capital across multiple regions. Its long-term strategic range assigns 45% to 60% of assets to North America. Europe receives a target range of 15% to 30%. Emerging markets account for 10% to 20%, while developed Asia represents 5% to 10%. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has also highlighted the country’s expanding network of international economic relationships. Its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements cover trade and investment links with partner economies.
Transport groups add to overseas investment footprint
AD Ports Group provides another example of the UAE’s international commercial reach. During 2025, the company operated 34 ports and terminals across domestic and overseas markets. It also maintained offices in more than 50 countries. Its wider commercial network reached 158 countries directly or through representatives. The group combines ports, maritime transport, logistics and economic zones across several trade corridors. Its international operations extend across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The UAE’s outward FDI stock has grown more than sevenfold since 2010. The latest figures place total overseas investment stock above $400 billion for 2025. UAE capital now reaches mature economies and developing markets across many industries. Global investment flows also increased after two consecutive years of decline. The combination of annual outflows and accumulated foreign assets shows the scale of capital held abroad by UAE investors. It also provides a measurable picture of the country’s expanding international investment footprint.
