Dubai Crowned Global Leader in Creative Economy FDI for Third Consecutive Year with $5.1 Billion Inflows and 23,500 New Jobs
Dubai has once again affirmed its status as the world’s leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the cultural and creative industries (CCI), securing the top global ranking for the third consecutive year. According to data from the Financial Times' FDI Markets and its ‘Creative Industries Cluster’ classification, the emirate attracted an impressive AED18.86 billion ($5.1 billion) in FDI capital in 2024, generating 971 projects and creating over 23,500 new jobs in the sector.
This milestone achievement solidifies Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global creative economy, surpassing international powerhouses such as London and Singapore.
Visionary Leadership Fueling Growth
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, praised the city’s strategic vision and progressive policies. She credited Dubai’s sustained growth in the creative sector to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
“Through strategic planning and pioneering initiatives, Dubai has cultivated an environment that empowers creatives, investors, and entrepreneurs to realise their ideas and turn them into impactful, sustainable projects that enrich the emirate’s cultural fabric,” Sheikha Latifa said.
Key Policy Reforms and Strategic Initiatives
Several government-led initiatives have contributed to Dubai’s FDI success, including:
Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025: Allows free zone entities to expand operations outside their designated zones, enhancing operational flexibility and growth opportunities.
Zero Government Bureaucracy (ZGB) Programme: Simplifies government processes, boosts efficiency, and eliminates red tape.
International Art Fairs Grant: Provides financial support for Dubai-based galleries to participate in global art fairs.
These policies align with the broader objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to elevate Dubai into the ranks of the world’s top three urban economies.
Creative Sectors Driving the Boom
Dubai’s robust performance spans multiple sub-sectors within the creative economy, including:
Advertising and PR
Filmmaking, media, and gaming
Custom software development
AI and machine learning
Education in creative disciplines
Advanced digital engineering and cloud technologies
The United States led in FDI capital inflows (23.2%), followed by India (13.4%), the UK (9.4%), Switzerland (7.6%), and Saudi Arabia (4.8%). India ranked first in project volume (18.8%) and job creation (18.5%).
Data-Driven Growth
According to the Dubai FDI Monitor and the Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics, the emirate saw an 8% year-on-year increase in project count and nearly 60% growth in FDI capital in 2024. Notably, 76.5% of these were greenfield wholly-owned investments, a key indicator of long-term investor confidence.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), emphasized that Dubai’s global leadership in greenfield FDI is a direct result of visionary planning and disciplined execution of the D33 agenda.
“Our regulatory clarity, robust IP protection, and adoption of frontier technologies such as AI are enabling this sector to integrate with high-impact industries, creating economic value at scale,” he said.
Outlook: A Global Magnet for Creativity and Investment
Dubai’s creative economy is set to play an increasingly central role in its GDP, with the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy targeting a 5% contribution by 2026. Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, highlighted that the city’s innovative framework and flexibility continue to attract top talent and global capital.
As the emirate accelerates its journey towards becoming a global hub for creativity and innovation, it stands as a model of how bold leadership, forward-thinking policies, and strategic investment can shape a thriving, future-proof cultural ecosystem.
