The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making significant in-roads across the last few years to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). Whilst 2022 saw a global decline in FDI, mainly attributed to overlapping geopolitical and socio-economic crises, the fact that the UAE has become -and remains- one of the world's most stable investment destinations cannot be overlooked.  According to the World Investment Report 2023 (WIR) issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in 2022, the UAE recorded its highest FDI inflow at US$22.7 billion, being a 10% increase from the previous year, and surpassing all other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).  In this piece, the Bracewell team delve into the current and anticipated FDI trends in the UAE, shedding light on the factors that have propelled it to the forefront of global investment opportunities, while also sharing their predictions for 2024.  WHO ARE THE MAJOR INVESTORS?  The UAE's allure as an investment haven demonstrates its resilience amid global uncertainties, actively seeking to strengthen its financial inflow, and embarking on a strategic pursuit of trade agreements with major global players.  A significant milestone unfolded in 2022 with the establishment of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at facilitating trade and creating stronger economic ties. CEPA has provided many initiatives, including 0% customs duties on the majority of tariff lines and preferential market access benefitting the two nations. In one year after signing CEPA, bilateral trade between the two countries grew by 27.5%. The UAE has also seen increased involvement from China, most notably in the UAE energy sector, and in May 2023, the UAE signed three agreements with Chinese nuclear energy organizations signifying commitment to growth in this sector between the countries. Whilst foreign investment in the energy space will always maintain a strong foothold in the UAE, with renewable energy deals being more important than ever not only on the UAE stage, but globally, the landscape of investors in the UAE is becoming more diverse as time goes on.  The UAE has also become a hub for international tech entrepreneurs, who are using tools such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) tech startup license to quickly set up innovative businesses in the region, allowing founders access to a progressive tech ecosystem and pool of investors that help to cultivate rapid scale up through early stage to exit. Clearly, the Gulf serves as an appealing new home for significant startups, particularly the UAE, which has three of the six unicorns located in the Middle East. (ICE DUBAI)

Fonte notizia: www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/news-and-trends/foreign-direct-investment-in-the-united-arab-emirates-202