UNCTAD Report: UAE Attracts $48 Billion FDI as China Investments Surge

GCC foreign direct investment inflows rose 18 percent to $99 billion in 2025, with the UAE securing approximately $48 billion, according to UNCTAD. China and India were highlighted as key rapidly growing sources for industrial and technology investments in the region. Outward GCC investment also climbed 11 percent to $130 billion.

Published October 27, 2026 Source: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

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UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published its specialized Gulf Cooperation Council Investment Report on October 25, 2026, detailing the Gulf region's expanding role as a conduit linking Asian and Western capital.

Foreign direct investment inflows into GCC economies climbed 18 percent in 2025 to reach a decade high of $99 billion. The United Arab Emirates captured the majority of inbound investment, drawing roughly $48 billion in foreign direct investment.

The report identified China and India as critical, rapidly growing origins for industrial and technology capital flowing into the Gulf region. Simultaneously, outward direct investment from GCC countries climbed 11 percent to $130 billion, which funded global infrastructure and clean energy initiatives.