Dubai’s economy is on an accelerated trajectory, serving as a symbol of resilience, optimism, and progress in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. While many economies have faced headwinds over the past 24 months, Dubai’s visionary leadership, decisive action, and robust policies have cemented its position as a beacon of growth and opportunity.
Central to this success is the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched in January 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. D33 is an ambitious blueprint to position Dubai among the world’s top three global cities and double the size of its economy.
The agenda is built upon ten strategic pillars, serving as catalysts for accelerated economic growth. Key priorities include strengthening Dubai’s leadership in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, finance, tourism, enhancing economic productivity through a highly skilled and multicultural workforce, and fostering a culture of innovation.
D33 also underscores Dubai’s commitment to reinforcing its status as a global hub for multinational corporations (MNCs), family offices, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and local champions – ensuring a pro-business environment and maintaining global cost competitiveness.
D33 also outlines measurable targets, including:
Doubling Dubai’s foreign trade volume
Raising FDI to AED 60 billion (USD 16 billion) annually
Lifting private sector investments to AED 1 trillion (USD 272 billion)
Positioning Dubai as a Top 4 global financial hub
Above all, the agenda prioritizes preserving and advancing quality of life, tolerance, security and safety – values that continue to define Dubai’s identity as a modern, inclusive and future-ready city.
An Economy on the Move: Growth, Momentum and Opportunity
Two years since the announcement of D33, the implementation of the agenda has generated positive momentum and measurable results for Dubai.
Dubai’s economic growth reflects its dynamism and adaptability. With 3.2% GDP growth in the first half of 2024—double the OECD average—the emirate continues to outperform global benchmarks. Core economic engines such as foreign trade, investment flows, and tourism remain on a rapid trajectory, while emerging opportunities like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual assets add further momentum, particularly in relation to attracting high skilled talent.
Dubai’s regulatory framework and visa reforms— including the Golden Visa, Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa, Virtual Working Program, Freelance Visa, Green Visa, and Retirement Visa — further enable business growth and attract global talent.
Gateway to Global Markets: Connecting East, West and Beyond
Trade remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, achieving a milestone of AED 2 trillion (USD 544 billion) in trade value in 2023—an almost 10x increase in 20 years. With a trade value nearly five times its GDP, Dubai continues to punches well above its weight globally.
This performance underscores Dubai’s strategic role in connecting East and West, enabling businesses to access growth markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. Looking ahead through 2025 and beyond, Dubai’s trade sector is set to thrive, leveraging its geographic advantage, world-class logistics infrastructure, and a network of trade agreements (also known as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements or CEPAs) covering more than 45 countries — with over 20 agreements in the pipeline, representing a significant share of global GDP and trade.
Logistics Unbound: Powering Global Trade and Connectivity
Dubai’s logistics sector is world-class, with seaports and airports connecting businesses to over 400 cities worldwide. Home to global logistics leaders like Emirates, DP World, Maersk and DHL among others, Dubai has cemented its position as a leading global logistics hub.
Plans to enhance connectivity to future economic corridors in Africa, Asia and Latin America will further solidify Dubai’s role as a super connector.

Advancements in smart logistics and sustainability will play a key role in strengthening Dubai’s logistics sector, supporting its ambition to rank among the top five global logistics hub under D33.
Advanced Manufacturing: Leading Innovation and Sustainability
Dubai’s manufacturing sector is evolving, with a focus on attracting investments in high-tech and green industries. A recent example is Eaton’s investment in a sustainable campus for advanced manufacturing and R&D in Dubai, announced in July 2024.
To accelerate growth, Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), in collaboration with government entities, has introduced a series of targeted policies to attract new investments, expand capacity and enhance competitiveness:
Manufacturing Incentives Program – Offers incentives such as competitive utility and land prices and access to loans and capital expenditure support for new and expanding factories.
Solar Power Policy – Allows factories to generate 100% of their energy needs from solar power, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability.
In-Country Value (ICV) Program – Boosts competitiveness of local manufacturers and SMEs through government procurement opportunities.
These initiatives underscore Dubai’s commitment to positioning itself as a global advanced manufacturing hub, aligned with the UAE’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Building on the success of hosting COP28 in 2023, Dubai is attracting companies to establish green manufacturing centers, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable industrial transformation.
Eaton set-up sustainable campus for advanced manufacturing and R&D in Dubai
Eaton is a global intelligent power management company with 2023 revenues in excess of USD 23 billion. In July 2024, Eaton signed an agreement with DP World to build a state-of-the-art sustainable campus in Dubai, integrating its local commercial, manufacturing, and support functions with room for future growth. The 500,000+ sqft facility will include a cutting-edge R&D centre focused on sustainable manufacturing, AI, and Industry 4.0 innovations.
The project, slated for completion in 2026, will create 700 jobs, including high-skilled engineering roles and advanced manufacturing positions. Eaton’s manufacturing centre will fully embrace Industry 4.0 principles through automation, analytics, and advanced robotics. According to Craig Arnold, Chairman and CEO of Eaton,’ This new partnership with DP World and Jafza underscores our commitment to growth in the region and supports Dubai’s D33 transformation to position the city as a leader in high-tech manufacturing and innovation.‘
Financial Powerhouse: Thriving Capital Markets
Dubai’s financial services sector continues to expand, supported by a robust capital market and increased wealth inflows.
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has been the best-performing regional index for two consecutive years, with international investors contributing half of the trading activity over the last year. Since 2022, Dubai has had 10 IPOs, generating over USD 300 billion in investor demand. Notably, Talabat’s USD 2 billion IPO in Q4 2024 was the largest tech IPO globally in 2024.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) houses a diverse ecosystem of 400+ financial firms including banks, hedge funds, wealth managers, family offices, law firms and fintech companies. A growing base of high-skilled talent from global firms continues to strengthen this ecosystem. DIFC’s 2030 strategy aims to double its size and economic contribution to GDP, reinforcing Dubai as a financial innovation leader.
Innovation Unleashed: Embracing AI, Blockchain and the Future Economy
Dubai is advancing as a global innovation hub, home to two-thirds of the world’s most innovative companies, many of which have established AI and innovation centers in the city.
A highly skilled digital workforce—spanning 200 nationalities—has fueled growth in fields such as engineering and data science, with AI talent quadrupling between 2021 and 2023. The wider UAE is now ranked among the top three global hubs for AI talent, according to the AI Index Report by Stanford University.
Backed by world-class digital infrastructure and pro-innovation policies, Dubai leads in AI, blockchain, and R&D. Initiatives like Sandbox Dubai facilitate regulatory advancements, enabling innovation in sectors such as PropTech, the gig economy, and virtual assets.

Tourism Redefined: The World’s Most Desired Destination
Tourism has proven to be a major success story for Dubai. The city welcomed a record 17.2 million visitors in 2023, and is on track to deliver a new record milestone in 2024. Dubai has continuously solidified its position as the most popular global destination for three consecutive years, as ranked by TripAdvisor—a unique accolade achieved by no other city. Building on the success of Expo 2020, which attracted over 24 million visitors, Dubai has strengthened its position as a hub for MICE tourism. Dubai hosts a year-round calendar of major business, leisure, and sporting events that continue to draw international visitors. In 2024, GITEX Global welcomed 200,000 attendees, cementing its status as the world’s largest tech conference and Gulfood attracted 150,000 attendees, showcasing Dubai’s ability to host large-scale events across diverse industries. Similarly, the Dubai Fitness Challenge saw participation from 2.73 million people in 2024.
Infrastructure for Tomorrow: Building Prosperity and Growth
Infrastructure investment remains central to Dubai’s growth strategy. Government spending increased by 43% in 2024 compared to 2019, with plans for a 33% rise in 2025, reaching over USD 10 billion. Major projects include a USD 35 billion investment in Al Maktoum International Airport and the expansion of the Dubai Metro planned over the next few years, ensuring sustainable growth through efficient infrastructure. These investments highlight Dubai’s commitment to public-private partnerships and long term growth, ensuring sustained progress and competitiveness.
Investment Magnet: The World’s #1 Destination for FDI
Dubai’s position as a global investment destination is reinforced by its leadership in greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI). For the third consecutive year, Dubai ranks first globally in FDI projects, attracting investments from 88 countries—a 57% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
These investments, predominantly in medium- to high-tech sectors, bring advanced industrial and technical expertise to the emirate, further cementing its role as a hub for innovation and growth.
In real estate, while transaction values have grown by 75% year-on-year over the past two years, with 40% of investors entering the market for the first time, Dubai’s market remains one of the least at risk of a bubble globally, according to UBS.
Additionally, the UAE has welcomed 10,000 high-net-worth individuals over the past two years, drawn to Dubai’s robust financial ecosystem, stable economy and exceptional quality of life.
This diverse pool of investments and investors not only strengthens Dubai’s economic foundation but also enhances its resilience to global shocks. Dubai’s continued focus on diversification ensures that it remains insulated from volatility, while its pro-business policies continue to attract regional and global investors.
The Talent Magnet: Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow
Dubai is not just a magnet for capital – it is also a destination of choice for highly skilled global talent. Recognized as the most sought-after city to live and work, Dubai continues to attract top-tier professionals who drive innovation and growth.
The number of new residents increased by 56% in Q3 2024, following a 50% rise the prior year. Notably, 75% of newly created jobs were filled by highly skilled professionals, reflecting Dubai’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Dubai’s commitment to attracting and retaining world-class talent remains a cornerstone of its vision, enabling businesses and industries to thrive in an increasingly globalized and knowledge-based economy.
Shaping the Future: Opportunities Without Limits
Dubai’s achievements and global standing are reflected in prestigious international rankings. In 2024, Brand Finance – the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy – ranked Dubai among the top five global cities in its Global City Index, up from #9 in 2023. Dubai is globally ranked #1 in the Business and Investment pillar, #1 globally for Future Growth Potential and #2 for its Strong and Stable Economy.
These accolades underscore Dubai’s status as a leading global business hub, supported by a sound regulatory framework, robust financial systems and resilience in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Dubai Economic Agenda, D33: Driving Growth, Excellence and Opportunity
Dubai is more than a city—it is proof that a vision of ambition, resilience, and excellence can be delivered. As we progress toward our 2033 goals, our focus remains on building a thriving ecosystem for businesses and individuals alike.
With sustained investments in infrastructure, pro-business policies, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on talent development, Dubai continues to lead as a global hub for growth and opportunity.
We invite corporates and individuals to partner with us, unlock new opportunities, and achieve their goals in Dubai.
At the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), our dedicated teams stand ready to guide investors at every stage—from business setup and long-term residence visas to guided learning journeys and aftercare services—ensuring seamless operations and lasting success in Dubai.
Be part of Dubai’s ongoing success story, today.
investindubai.gov.ae
