Dubai extended its lead as the top global city for new greenfield foreign direct investment in the first half of 2025, drawing 643 projects and billions in capital aimed at artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech and digital infrastructure. Those inflows generated more than 38,400 new jobs, up 46.7 percent year over year, reinforcing Dubai’s pull for high-skilled tech talent through pro-innovation policy and world-class infrastructure.
Dubai sets the pace for foreign investment
Dubai’s run at number one for new FDI projects hit eight consecutive half-year periods in H1 2025, according to fDi Markets data reported by the Emirates News Agency. The consistency matters. It signals confidence in the city as a safe operating base and a launchpad into the wider Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets. Helal Saeed Al-Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said the results reflect the city’s resilience and ability to adapt to global economic shifts.
Where capital is flowing in 2025
The tech stack is front and center. As noted by Persian Horizon, record sums are moving into AI and machine learning, blockchain, fintech, and the digital plumbing that keeps it all running. Think data platforms, cloud and edge infrastructure, cyber security, and sector-specific AI from logistics to health.
Confidence from global investors is visible in programmatic bets. Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pointed to Dubai’s focus on emerging tech and sustainability as key drivers of this momentum. That focus spans projects ranging from real-world AI orchestration to advanced digital infrastructure builds that help companies scale quickly and securely.
Jobs surge and talent demand
More projects translate into more high-skilled roles. FDI-backed initiatives created over 38,400 new jobs in the first half of 2025, lifting Dubai to third globally for FDI-driven job creation. A breakdown by China Briefing shows strong investor interest in AI, machine learning, fintech, blockchain and digital infrastructure. That is fueling demand for engineers, data scientists, product leaders, cyber specialists, cloud architects and go-to-market talent.
Companies are also leaning on flexible staffing and specialist marketplaces to accelerate delivery timelines. Platforms such as Fiverr can help teams spin up niche skills on demand while they recruit permanent hires in a tight labor market.
Why technology firms are choosing Dubai
The playbook blends policy, infrastructure and talent access. The Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence aims to speed adoption across public and private sectors. The city enables 100 percent foreign ownership in many activities, offers competitive tax policies and simplifies business setup in mainland and free zones. Companies gain fast access to regional and global markets through logistics and connectivity, while long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa support talent mobility and retention.
Innovation hubs and free zones add a practical edge. From DIFC and Dubai Internet City to newer accelerators, firms get regulatory clarity, space to experiment and a pipeline of partners. As Persian Horizon notes, the combination of infrastructure, regulatory support and global talent access continues to draw both startups and multinationals.
Editor’s tip
Fast-scaling teams in Dubai are automating early to keep costs in check and quality high. Tools like Make help connect apps and orchestrate workflows without code, which frees product and engineering time for higher value work.
What this means for global tech careers
Momentum is feeding into a broader strategy. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 targets a doubling of the city’s economy by 2033, with technology and digital infrastructure central to that push. If the current trajectory holds, industry watchers expect Dubai to solidify its position among the world’s leading tech hubs by the end of the decade. That would shift career maps for engineers, founders and product leaders, much like the rise of new innovation clusters in the United States highlighted in America’s new regional AI hubs.
Get the latest tech updates and insights directly in your inbox.
The big picture for tech talent
Stable governance, strong infrastructure and market access are the bedrock. As China Briefing writes, this mix positions Dubai as a natural hub for trade and innovation. For technologists, that means more choice and faster career progression across frontier fields. As Helal Saeed Al-Marri noted, the city’s path is aligned with a larger vision to lead in technology and economic innovation. That is a signal to watch for anyone building in AI and digital-first industries.
FAQ
Why did Dubai rank first for new greenfield FDI projects in H1 2025?
Consistent pro-innovation policy, streamlined setup, global connectivity and strong infrastructure drove investor confidence. Those factors helped Dubai secure 643 new projects, extending an eight-period streak at number one.
How many jobs did foreign investment create in Dubai in the first half of 2025?
FDI-backed projects generated more than 38,400 new jobs, a 46.7 percent increase compared with the prior period, placing Dubai third globally for FDI-driven job creation.
Which technology sectors are attracting the most capital?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning, fintech, blockchain and core digital infrastructure including cloud, data platforms and cyber security are leading investment flows.
What incentives are technology firms benefiting from in Dubai?
Companies can access 100 percent foreign ownership in many activities, competitive tax policy, simplified licensing, supportive regulation and specialized free zones, plus long-term residency options that help attract and retain talent.
Is Dubai’s technology growth likely to continue through 2030?
The D33 economic agenda and the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI point to continued investment in digital infrastructure and advanced technologies, which supports a strong outlook through the end of the decade.
