ISSUE #8

Dubai Leads the World in Greenfield FDI​
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Hey folks 👋🏽
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Dubai Leads the World in Greenfield FDI 🥇

What is Greenfield FDI?
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FDI (Foreign Direct Investment): Money invested by overseas companies or individuals into another country.
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​Greenfield FDI: When that money goes into creating something brand new from scratch - like opening a new office, factory, hotel, or regional HQ - instead of just buying or merging with an existing company (M&A).
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Think of it as planting a new tree rather than buying one that’s already grown. The impact is usually bigger - new jobs, new infrastructure, and a deeper long-term commitment from investors.

On that front, Dubai is leading the world. In the first half of 2025 alone, the city attracted 643 new greenfield projects - more than London, Singapore, or New York. It also ranked second globally in terms of total capital invested and third in jobs created from these projects.

This marks the eighth consecutive half-year period in which Dubai has topped the global greenfield FDI ranking.

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​Why does this matter? ​
This is companies choosing to physically plant their flag in Dubai, to hire, to build, and to grow here. When international businesses choose to plant brand new projects here rather than just invest on paper, it shows a deeper level of trust.

A desert city that once had to import nearly everything is now the top destination on the planet for businesses to create something new.

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​The bigger picture

Each project that sets up here creates a ripple effect across the economy: new offices mean demand for commercial space, new employees fuel the residential market, and global companies bring with them suppliers, service providers, and fresh talent.

For real estate in particular, this momentum is key. Every new multinational setting up shop needs housing for staff, space for operations, and access to infrastructure. That keeps both the residential and commercial sectors thriving.

It also boosts the city’s global brand. When a CEO in London, Mumbai, or New York sees their competitors building in Dubai, it reinforces the city as the place to be. That competitive pull accelerates the cycle: more companies, more jobs, more investment, more demand.

So while the statistic reads “643 projects,” the real story is far larger. It’s about confidence, commitment, and the kind of sustainable growth that touches every sector. As long as Dubai keeps leading in this space, the long-term trajectory looks strong.

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Thanks for reading - until next week.