Dubai Leads Global Cities in Attracting Creative Industry Investments for Fourth Consecutive Year
The emirate secured 754 new foreign investment projects in 2025, generating more than 19,000 jobs across cultural, creative and technology-related sectors.
Dubai has maintained its position as the world’s leading destination for new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Data from the Financial Times’ fDi Markets ranked Dubai first among 233 cities worldwide in 2025, placing it ahead of major international destinations, including London, Singapore, Riyadh and Bengaluru. The results highlight the emirate’s growing appeal to international investors, creative businesses and entrepreneurs.
During the year, Dubai attracted 754 new projects, bringing in approximately $3.756 billion in greenfield FDI and creating 19,304 jobs. The city ranked first globally for the number of projects and employment generated, while securing second place for investment capital inflows.
Investment growth covered a broad range of sectors, including advertising, public relations, digital services, software development, film production, gaming, artificial intelligence, design, architecture, creative education and performing arts. This expansion reflects the diversity of Dubai’s creative economy and its ability to adapt to emerging technologies and changing business needs.
India was the largest contributor to greenfield investment capital in the sector, accounting for 19% of the total, followed by the United States at 17.5%, China at 13%, Malaysia at 12% and the United Kingdom at 9%. In terms of project numbers, the UK led with a 21.5% share, narrowly ahead of India at 21%.
Dubai’s investment appeal is supported by policies allowing full foreign ownership, streamlined business establishment procedures, specialised business hubs, long-term residency options for skilled professionals and advanced digital and logistics infrastructure.
The emirate’s economic ambitions, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, also support efforts to attract international businesses and strengthen its position as a global centre for creative enterprise and investment.
Dubai’s continued performance in attracting new projects demonstrates the growing importance of its cultural and creative industries in supporting economic diversification, business development and employment opportunities.
