Dubai Ranks No.1 Globally for Greenfield FDI Projects for the Fifth Consecutive Year In 2025
Dubai has reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fifth consecutive year, according to data published by the Financial Times Ltd’s FDI Markets database. In 2025, Dubai delivered one of its strongest inward FDI performances since 2015, with total announced greenfield FDI projects rising to 1,253, a 10.5% increase from 2024, while securing a record-high 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economy, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed.
Dubai Longevity Authority Established Further Advancing City’s Medical Innovation
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (17) of 2026, establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA), a new entity that aims to develop the emirate as the world’s leading hub for regulated longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare offerings, and forge paths for investment flows in the sector. Leveraging innovation, robust governance and strategic partnerships, the new authority will support the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and help position Dubai among the world’s leading destinations for healthy life expectancy, medical innovation and advanced healthcare.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The true wealth of nations lies in their people, and our greatest investment has always been in their health, quality of life, and ability to contribute, create and innovate. Our vision is for Dubai to be at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing life sciences, biotechnology and medical innovation to develop new solutions that enhance quality of life and advance human health. We firmly believe that every scientific breakthrough should deliver tangible benefits to people’s lives, and that serving humanity will always remain the ultimate purpose of every investment in science, knowledge and innovation.”
Emirates Launches World’s Most Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover. This industry-first travel insurance product includes medical cover for conflict-related incidents, airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios. The new product also includes trip cancellation cover, compensation for baggage delay or loss, unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide, further strengthening the travel proposition for customers flying to and through Dubai.
Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: “Listening to customer feedback, we realised that travel demand remains strong but there was a gap in the market with regards to travel insurance cover. Therefore, we acted to address our customers’ needs. Together with Travel Guard, a leader in the global insurance industry, Emirates is pleased to offer an enhanced travel insurance product that is as comprehensive as it is reassuring for a wider range of situations. With strong demand for travel in summer, we are proud to offer our customers added confidence in planning their journeys to and through Dubai when they book with Emirates.”
Dubai World Trade Centre Delivers Record AED 25 Billion in Economic Output In 2025, Driven by Growth in Large-Scale Events
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has further strengthened its role as a key driver of Dubai’s economic growth, generating a record AED25.03 billion in economic output through its calendar of large-scale business events in 2025. Driven by 108 large-scale exhibitions, international association conventions and industry conferences, the events attracted nearly 2.18 million attendees. They contributed AED14.66 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to Dubai’s GDP, the highest annual economic impact recorded to date.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s rise as a global hub for international events has been shaped by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Guided by His Highness’s far-reaching vision, Dubai has built an ecosystem that enables businesses from around the world to come together, collaborate and grow. The record performance achieved by Dubai World Trade Centre in 2025 reflects the confidence that global industries, investors and innovators place in Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, business environment, and its ability to connect people, ideas and capital to generate value.”
Al Maktoum International Airport Development Project Achieves Significant Milestones Across Key Delivery Streams
The Dubai Government affirmed that work on the first phase of the Al Maktoum International Airport development project is proceeding in line with approved timelines, with significant progress achieved across key development packages and preparations completed for the tendering and award of future contracts. The project remains on course to commence operations in 2032, with major milestones delivered across enabling works, runway infrastructure, and the initial structural foundations for passenger terminals and gates.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most significant strategic projects shaping Dubai’s economic future. It embodies our leadership’s long-term vision of investing in world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating the rapid growth in travel, trade, and logistics. The project’s transition into a large-scale construction phase, with contracts valued at AED13 billion currently under execution and preparations underway to award strategic projects worth more than AED55 billion during the next phase, reflects the substantial progress achieved and the strong momentum driving the development.”
Dubai To Host Second Edition of World Sports Summit in December 2026
Dubai will host the second edition of the World Sports Summit from 28 to 29 December 2026, further strengthening the city’s role as a global platform for dialogue, collaboration and future-focused decision-making in the international sports sector.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the World Sports Summit will bring together senior government leaders, international sports federations, athletes, investors, rights holders and industry experts to explore the future of sport. The event aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to leverage sport as a catalyst for economic diversification and reflects its proven track record in delivering large-scale, high-impact international events across sectors.
