Dubai ranked first globally for new Greenfield FDI projects in cultural and creative industries in 2025.
According to the Financial Times’ FDI Markets, Dubai attracted 754 projects, leading 233 cities tracked worldwide.
London followed with 227 projects, while Singapore recorded 197, Riyadh 157 and Bengaluru 132.
Dubai’s projects generated 19,304 new jobs, highlighting the city’s growing role as a global hub for the creative economy.
Greenfield FDI capital inflows reached $3.756 billion, placing Dubai second globally for investment value.
Investment covered advertising, programming, digital services, film, gaming, AI, design, architecture, entertainment and creative education.
India was the largest source of capital inflows, accounting for 19%, followed by the US at 17.5% and China at 13%.
By project numbers, the UK led with 21.5%, closely followed by India at 21%.
Officials attributed the growth to Dubai’s combination of technology, creativity, infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
The city’s foreign ownership rules, creative clusters, digital infrastructure and residency pathways have strengthened its appeal to investors and talent.
The performance supports Dubai’s wider Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Creative Economy Strategy.
