Dubai Tops in Tourism FDI for 2021 with USD 1.7 Billion Investments

Dubai has retained its top rank worldwide for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in tourism in 2021, said a report. With AED 6.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) FDI across 30 projects, it has emerged number one in investments and job creation in tourism.

Dubai has retained its top rank worldwide for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into tourism in 2021, said an expert.

With AED 6.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in FDI across 30 FDI projects during the year, Dubai has ranked number one in FDI capital, projects, and job creation in the tourism sector in 2021, according to The Financial Times' fDi Markets data, a leading global data source on crossborder greenfield FDI investments.

The city rankings of 'fDi Markets' are based on investment destinations that attract 10 or more greenfield FDI projects in a year. 

The new investments and projects generated 5,545 new jobs during the year, according to the Dubai FDI Monitor report, published by the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The top FDI performance capped a momentous year for Dubai. In 2021, the city led a resurgence in global travel and tourism after Covid-19, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the UAE, and welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai while emerging as one of the safest destinations in the world, it stated.

The year also marked a successful five-year period during which Dubai stayed ahead of leading international cities, including London, Paris and Shanghai, in attracting FDI into tourism.

Dubai's tourism sector drew AED83.5 billion (USD 22.8 billion) in FDI capital across 205 FDI projects during 2017-21, generating 30,082 new jobs.

Dubai has welcomed a total of 7.28 million international overnight visitors in 2021, posting a 32% year-over-year growth, and underscoring the city's efforts to become the world's most visited destination.

On the top recognition, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said: "It was all because of the exceptional leadership and visionary policies of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai even during a challenging year for the sector globally."

Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai's ranking as the top FDI destination for tourism reaffirms the sector's role as a key economic driver that offers international investors confidence and an exceptional opportunity for stable and sustainable returns.

"Dubai's enabling infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and flexible regulatory environment that kept pace with the needs of global investors would keep it at the forefront of the world's FDI destinations, he added.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, DET, said the strong investor interest in Dubai's tourism sector complemented the emirate's net gains as an investment destination in 2021. 

The value of total FDI capital flows into all sectors in Dubai exceeded AED26 billion from 618 announced FDI projects in 2021, with a growth rate of 5.5% compared to 2020.

The year 2021 witnessed the most extensive legislative change in the history of the UAE, with more than 40 laws in all fields updated and reformed to accelerate the ease of business and ensure hassle-free entry for investors.

A five-year multi-entry visa was introduced for employees of multinational companies in 2021, adding to previously launched initiatives. These included the Golden Visa initiative targeting investors, entrepreneurs and specialised talents, and the Virtual Working and Retire in Dubai Programmes.

Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai FDI, said the sustained flow of international investments into tourism reinforces Dubai's status as a magnet for global talent.

"Dubai's top ranking in terms of jobs created by FDI into tourism proves that the exemplary investment environment developed by the city will continue to attract, retain, and grow financial as well as human capital," he noted.

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan will further reinforce Dubai's reputation as a global destination for business, investment, and tourism. Dubai 2040 is a comprehensive roadmap aimed at aligning strategic economic priorities and future needs with sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, he added.