Foreign direct investment inflows into GCC economies grew 18% in 2025 to $99 billion, with the UAE securing approximately $48 billion, according to UN Trade and Development. Concurrently, Chinese and UAE officials met in Beijing to align long-term strategic plans following record bilateral trade and surging Gulf sovereign investments.
According to an UNCTAD report, inward FDI into GCC economies increased 18% in 2025 to approximately $99 billion, led by the UAE with around $48 billion. The Gulf region expanded its outward FDI to $130 billion while strengthening its role as an investment bridge with China and Asia.
Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala plans to maintain an annual investment scale of 39 billion US dollars, targeting expanded asset allocation in China, South Korea, India, and Japan. Simultaneously, the UAE and Qatar have launched major commercial and technology initiatives, including a 1.8 billion AED expansion at Dubai CommerCity and preparations for Doha to host the World Investment Forum.
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