UAE says industrial FDI reached 251 projects worth nearly US$33 billion
ABU DHABI, 6 May 2026 , The UAE Minister of Investment said the country attracted approximately 251 foreign direct investment projects in its industrial sector between 2015 and 2024, with total capital commitments of nearly US$33 billion. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi said those projects generated more than 38,000 jobs.
He described the figures as evidence of growing investor confidence in the UAE's industrial capabilities. Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the "Make it in the Emirates 2026" event, Alsuwaidi said manufacturing has become the fifth-largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the UAE.
He said the sector accounts for 7% of the country's total FDI stock. Alsuwaidi said the sector remains one of the most attractive for foreign investment and is a key pillar in delivering the objectives of the National Investment Strategy 2031.
He added that the UAE is continuing under the "Operation 300bn" strategy, which aims to raise the industrial sector's contribution to national GDP to AED300 billion by 2031. He also said the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched a white paper on the industrial sector during the event.
He said the paper is intended to analyse the UAE's industrial transformation into an advanced and investment-attractive ecosystem.
