Dubai ranked No. 1 globally for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries in 2025, according to Financial Times’ fDi Markets data released by Dubai Media Office. The emirate attracted 754 projects worth $3.756 billion in capital inflows and generated 19,304 jobs.
The result matters because Dubai has held the top position for four consecutive years, while investment is increasingly moving into areas such as artificial intelligence, gaming, digital content, programming and data services.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Dubai Culture, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Status: 2025 FDI results announced on August 25, 2026
- Jobs created: 19,304
- Creative FDI projects: 754
- Capital inflows: $3.756 billion
- Top source of capital: India, with 19%
- What’s next: Dubai is targeting further growth under its Cultural Strategy 2033
Dubai has once again taken the top spot globally for creative industry FDI projects, attracting 754 greenfield projects across its cultural and creative industries in 2025. Dubai Media Office announced the result on August 25, citing Financial Times Ltd.’s fDi Markets data.
The projects generated 19,304 new jobs and brought in $3.756 billion in greenfield FDI capital. Dubai ranked ahead of London, Singapore, Riyadh and Bengaluru among 233 cities tracked in the index.
The latest figures also show how Dubai’s creative economy is changing. Alongside advertising, design and entertainment, investors are increasingly entering AI-powered creative technology, gaming, digital services, programming and data-related businesses.
How far ahead is Dubai of London and Singapore?
Dubai attracted 754 creative-industry FDI projects in 2025, significantly more than the other leading cities in the ranking.
London recorded 227 projects, followed by Singapore with 197, Riyadh with 157 and Bengaluru with 132. Dubai has now retained the No. 1 position for four consecutive years.
However, there is an important distinction in the figures.
Dubai ranked first for the number of greenfield FDI projects, but second globally for FDI capital inflows in the cultural and creative industries. The $3.756 billion figure therefore should not be presented as the world’s largest creative-sector capital inflow.
The results instead highlight the sheer number and breadth of new projects choosing Dubai as a base.
What types of creative businesses are attracting investment?
Dubai’s creative economy now extends well beyond traditional cultural activities.
According to Dubai Media Office, the 2025 investment growth covered advertising and public relations, specialised computer programming, data processing, digital services, film, media, gaming, AI-powered creative technologies, creative education, professional services, architecture and design.
The list also includes crafts, performing arts, entertainment, museums, historical sites and logistics services supporting creative businesses.
That mix is significant. It shows that Dubai increasingly views creativity as part of the wider technology and business ecosystem rather than as a standalone cultural sector.
AI is also becoming a more visible part of the picture. Dubai Media Office said the latest growth reflects a shift towards digital content, creative technology, artificial intelligence and data-driven services.
Why is India important to Dubai’s creative economy?
India was the largest source of greenfield FDI capital inflows into Dubai’s cultural and creative industries in 2025, contributing 19% of the total.
The United States followed with 17.5%, China with 13%, Malaysia with 12% and the United Kingdom with 9%.
When measured by the number of projects rather than capital, the UK ranked first with 21.5%, followed by India at 21%, the US at 14% and France at 4%.
For Dubai, the figures reinforce the importance of its business links with major international markets. For Indian companies and entrepreneurs, they also point to growing opportunities in sectors ranging from digital media and technology to design, advertising and creative services.
What is Dubai doing to grow its creative economy?
The latest FDI ranking builds on several years of government-backed efforts to expand the sector.
Dubai launched its Creative Economy Strategy in 2021 with the goal of increasing the creative industries’ contribution to the emirate’s economy, growing the number of creative companies and expanding employment opportunities. The strategy targeted 15,000 creative companies and 140,000 jobs by 2026.
Dubai has also developed dedicated creative districts and business ecosystems to support entrepreneurs, investors and established companies.
The city’s wider FDI performance adds another layer to the story. Dubai ranked No. 1 globally for total greenfield FDI projects for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, while also holding the global No. 1 position for AI-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth consecutive year.
In July 2026, Dubai also approved its Cultural Strategy 2033. The strategy targets support for more than 6,000 local talents and aims to attract more than 6,000 international creatives. It also seeks to increase Dubai’s cultural asset footprint by more than 200% and raise the contribution of cultural and creative industries to 5.4% of Dubai’s GDP.
Dubai’s latest creative FDI ranking matters beyond the cultural sector.
For residents, it can mean more opportunities in media, technology, design, entertainment, gaming, advertising and other specialised fields. Businesses can benefit from new investment, partnerships and access to a wider regional market.
The growing role of AI and digital services is particularly relevant as Dubai continues to position itself as a technology and innovation hub.
For investors, the combination of international connectivity, business infrastructure, creative clusters and government strategies is helping Dubai attract projects across the entire creative value chain.
The next phase will be shaped by the Cultural Strategy 2033 and Dubai’s continued push into digital content, creative technology and emerging industries.
FAQs
Why is Dubai No. 1 for creative industry FDI?
Dubai ranked first globally for the number of greenfield FDI projects in cultural and creative industries in 2025, with 754 projects across 233 cities.
How much creative FDI did Dubai attract in 2025?
Dubai attracted $3.756 billion in greenfield FDI capital inflows into its cultural and creative industries during 2025.
How many jobs did Dubai’s creative FDI projects create?
The 754 projects generated 19,304 new jobs during 2025.
Which country invested the most in Dubai’s creative industries?
India was the largest source of greenfield creative-sector capital inflows, accounting for 19% in 2025. The UK led when measured by the number of individual projects.
Is Dubai also No. 1 for creative FDI capital?
No. Dubai ranked No. 1 for the number of creative-industry greenfield FDI projects but No. 2 for capital inflows in the sector.
Dubai’s latest creative-industry FDI ranking shows that its economy is attracting investment far beyond traditional sectors. With 754 projects, nearly 20,000 jobs and $3.756 billion in capital inflows in 2025, the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a global base for creative and technology-led businesses.
The growing focus on AI, gaming, digital content and data services suggests that Dubai’s creative economy is likely to become an even bigger part of its wider growth story.
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