Dubai Leads Global Cities in Attracting Creative Economy FDI Projects

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2026 (FMC) — Dubai ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries, TV BRICS reported, citing its Emirati media partner, the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The emirate attracted 754 new FDI projects in the sector in 2025, bringing announced FDI capital flows to US$3.756 billion and generating 19,304 new jobs. Dubai also ranked second worldwide by FDI capital flows into the cultural and creative industries.

The investments covered a broad range of activities, including advertising and public relations, specialised computer programming, data processing and digital services, film and media production, gaming, creative technology, creative education, professional services, design and architecture, crafts, performing arts, entertainment, museums and heritage sites.

The expansion also reflects the growing role of emerging technologies in the creative economy, with digital content, artificial intelligence, data-driven services and creative technologies becoming increasingly important areas for investment.

India was the largest source of FDI capital for Dubai’s cultural and creative industries in 2025, accounting for 19 percent of total flows, followed by the United States at 17.5 percent, China at 13 percent, Malaysia at 12 percent and the United Kingdom at 9 percent.

By number of projects, the United Kingdom ranked first with 21.5 percent, followed by India with 21 percent, the United States with 14 percent and France with 4 percent.

Dubai’s investment appeal in the sector has been supported by measures including full foreign ownership, specialised creative and technology clusters, long-term residency options for talent, advanced digital and logistics infrastructure, and access to regional and international markets.

The figures highlight the creative economy’s continued shift beyond traditional cultural activities toward technology-intensive industries and services, creating new investment opportunities across the creative value chain, from programming and digital services to advertising, content production and distribution.