Dubai creative industries attracted 754 new foreign investment projects in 2025, creating more than 19,000 jobs and keeping Dubai at number one globally.
DUBAI: Dubai has once again been named the world’s top city for new foreign investment projects in the creative sector, holding the number one position for the fourth year in a row. The latest ranking shows how the city is becoming a major home for creative businesses, technology companies and international talent.
According to Financial Times fDi Markets data for 2025, Dubai creative industries attracted 754 new greenfield foreign direct investment projects. That put the city well ahead of London with 227 projects, Singapore with 197, Riyadh with 157 and Bengaluru with 132. The ranking covered 233 cities around the world.
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The investment also brought new jobs. The 754 projects created 19,304 jobs during 2025, while foreign investment flowing into the sector reached US$3.756 billion. Dubai also ranked second globally for the total amount of foreign investment coming into its cultural and creative sector.
So, what exactly counts as a creative industry? It is much broader than art, music and entertainment. Dubai is attracting investment in advertising, public relations, computer programming, digital services, film, media, gaming, artificial intelligence, design, architecture, education and professional services. This shows how the city’s creative economy is moving towards technology and digital businesses.
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India was the biggest source of investment money, accounting for 19% of greenfield capital coming into the sector. The US followed with 17.5%, China with 13%, Malaysia with 12% and the UK with 9%. When it came to the number of individual projects, the UK was first with 21.5%, closely followed by India at 21%.
Dubai creative industries have also benefited from the city’s business-friendly environment. Full foreign ownership, easier company setup, long-term residency options, specialised business areas and strong transport and digital connections have helped make Dubai attractive to international companies and entrepreneurs.
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Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said the results show a clear move towards industries linked to digital content, creative technology, artificial intelligence and new creative services.
The growth also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which aim to attract businesses, talent and investment while creating more opportunities in the city.
For Dubai creative industries, staying number one for four straight years suggests the city is not simply attracting creative talent. It is increasingly turning creativity, technology and new ideas into businesses and jobs.
News Impact
Dubai’s number one ranking could attract even more creative businesses, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals to the city. With more investment moving into AI, gaming, digital content and technology, the sector could also create more jobs and business opportunities.
