For the third consecutive year, Dubai has been ranked the top global destination for Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries (CCI), according to the Financial Times’ fDi Markets report covering 233 cities. The emirate outperformed major global hubs including London and Singapore.
In 2024, Dubai attracted 971 projects in the CCI sector, with FDI inflows totaling AED 18.86 billion and generating 23,517 new jobs. This marks an 8% increase fr om the 898 projects recorded in 2023, based on data from the Dubai FDI Monitor and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Flexible government policies have strengthened Dubai’s position as an attractive hub for investors, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, highlighted that strategic planning and pioneering initiatives have created an environment wh ere ideas can grow into impactful and sustainable projects.
Growth in the sector was driven by a range of sub-sectors, including advertising and PR, custom computer programming, creative education, filmmaking, media, gaming, software design in AI and digital engineering, as well as paint and coating manufacturing.
In terms of capital inflows, the United States led with 23.2%, followed by India (13.4%), the United Kingdom (9.4%), Switzerland (7.6%), and Saudi Arabia (4.8%). India ranked first in the number of projects (18.8%) and in job creation (18.5%), followed by the UK, US, Germany, and France.
Greenfield wholly-owned projects accounted for the majority share at 76.5%, with new forms of investment at 15.4%, reinvestments at 5.6%, and mergers and acquisitions at 2.4%.
Dubai’s continued leadership in the creative economy reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reinforcing the city’s position as a global cultural and investment hub.
If you're considering investing in Dubai, now is the perfect time. With steady growth and global recognition, the real estate market here offers unique opportunities for income and long-term investment. Request a free consultation, and we'll help you find the ideal property tailored to your goals and budget: stayproperty.ae