Dubai, UAE – The UAE has succeeded in consolidating its position as a rising economic power and an attractor of global capital. By ranking first globally in economic optimism at the level of emerging markets, and second after China for the third year in a row in the emerging markets index. It is ranked ninth globally in the Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Report for 2026.
This continued achievement reflects international investors’ confidence in the UAE’s investment environment. Driven by strong economic performance and smart government initiatives.
“medium forces” gravity
According to the 2026 report issued by the Kearney Foundation’s Global Trade Policy Council, the UAE firmly maintained ninth place in the global leading index.
In emerging markets, the UAE continued its strong presence at the forefront, ranking second after China for the third year in a row.
This progress reflects the appeal of what are known as “intermediate powers.” Which records significant and noticeable gains in light of the repositioning of global capital.
Strong investment motivations
The report stated that economic performance is the strongest motivation for investors in the UAE, at a rate of 30%.
The UAE market witnessed strong production growth of 5.5% in 2025, according to Oxford Economics forecasts.
In addition to economic performance, the investors surveyed identified other strategic elements that constitute the strongest reasons to invest in the UAE market, namely:
- Ease of doing business, which attracted 28% investor interest.
- Infrastructure quality is 27%.
- Technological innovation by 25%.
- Availability of natural resources at 24%.
He also noted that 84% of investors see industrial policies, such as government incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure, as a “very important” factor. Or “very important” in FDI decisions.
National Investment Fund
The UAE continues to make significant strides in reducing regulatory hurdles.
The state also continuously works to provide attractive incentives for foreign investors. To provide these investors with incentive-based financial packages, the UAE launched a $10 billion national investment fund in November last year. To support the implementation of the “National Investment Strategy 2031”.
Economic optimism
Despite the escalating conflict and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The UAE recorded the highest levels of net optimism in the world. By 42% regarding the economic prospects for the next three years.
It also ranked first in economic optimism among emerging markets.
