Dubai Tops Global Ranking in New FDI Projects in Creative Industries

In 2025 the emirate attracted more projects than its four closest rivals combined. Dubai has 754 new greenfield projects (investments built from scratch on undeveloped ground) in the creative industries.

The ranking is based on data from fDi Markets (the Financial Times Ltd. publishing group). Dubai came first among 233 cities worldwide for the fourth year running.

The margin is more striking than the top spot itself: London recorded 227 projects, Singapore 197, Riyadh 157 and Bengaluru 132.

Behind the ranking numbers sit some very tangible consequences. Investment inflows into the sector reached $3.756 billion, and the new projects created over 19,000 jobs. By volume of capital attracted, the emirate placed second in the world.

Growth was driven by advertising and PR, programming, data processing, film, media and gaming, AI-powered creative technologies, design and architecture.

At the same time, the centre of gravity of Dubai’s creative economy is shifting noticeably from traditional culture towards digital content.