From Desert Dreams to Creative Powerhouse: Dubai Ranks #1 Globally for FDI in Cultural Industries

Dubai cemented its position as the world's leading global hub for creative and cultural industries as it was awarded the world's number one foreign direct investment (FDI) destination for the creative and cultural industries for the third year running. Dubai welcomed 971 FDI projects from the creative and cultural industries in 2024, which attracted a record AED18.86 billion ($5.1 billion) in capital and created 23,517 new jobs, as per the latest Financial Times' 'fDi Markets' report.

This milestone raises Dubai above competing world-class urban cities like Singapore and London to a position representing the emirate's strong investing environment and ambition to promote innovativeness and creativity. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, delivered the announcement of the city's continued prosperity having attributed it to the visionary direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikha Latifa pointed out Dubai's robust laws and regulations, top-notch infrastructure, and judicious government initiatives-including most recently Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, under which free zones are allowed to expand their non-free zone business activities outside the zones-as critical to drawing investors and creative talents from around the globe.

The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and Dubai Economic Agenda D33 were also highlighted as being among the most significant drivers, with the objective of raising the share of the creative economy in Dubai's GDP to 5% by 2026. Such strategies, combined with a flexible and visionary investment framework, have made Dubai a destination of choice for global entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors. Dubai's creative sector not only plays a major role in economic development but also helps the city achieve its vision to be a global hub for culture, innovation, and talent. The growth of the sector is a sign of the emirate's model of innovative diversification and sustainable development.

Source: Arabian Business