Dubai Tops Global Rankings for FDI Inflows in Cultural and Creative Industries
Key Points:
Global Leadership in FDI:
Dubai leads globally in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in cultural and creative industries for 2022.
A record high of 451 FDI projects was reported.
Significant Economic Growth:
Business growth reached 7% in the fiscal year 2013-14.
FDI capital in cultural and creative industries reached AED 7 billion in 2022, doubling from $170 billion in 2021 to $357 billion.
Employment Creation:
Cumulative FDI generated around 12,368 jobs, ranking Dubai sixth globally in this context.
Strategic Leadership and Support:
H. H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the importance of supportive infrastructure, laws, and regulations for the creative sector.
Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) aims to position Dubai among the top three global cities.
Key Market Engagement:
Strategic engagement with key markets like the US, India, the UK, France, and Switzerland bolstered Dubai’s attractiveness for investment.
Diverse FDI Projects:
Greenfield projects accounted for 76% of the total in 2022.
Growth observed in sectors like non-video game software publishing, custom computer programming, architectural and engineering services, and data processing.
Future Growth Potential:
Dubai’s achievements set a precedent for future growth, driven by a blend of cultural diversity, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive business environment.
Vision for 2026:
Dubai aims to be designated as the Capital of the Creative Economy by 2026, demonstrating the impact of strategic vision and robust support systems on economic growth in creative sectors.
Dubai Tops Global Rankings for FDI Inflows in Cultural and Creative Industries
Dubai has emerged as the global leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the cultural and creative industries, according to the Dubai FDI Monitor report. Published by the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) with data from the Financial Times fDi Markets, the report highlights 451 FDI projects in 2022, a record-breaking number with a significant increase from the previous years.
The fiscal year 2013-14 saw Dubai’s business growth at 7% over the previous year, a precursor to its continued expansion in the creative economy. This achievement underscores Dubai’s dedicated efforts towards fostering a thriving creative sector, aiming to be designated as the Capital of the Creative Economy by 2026.
In 2022, Dubai’s cultural and creative industries attracted AED 7 billion in FDI capital. This represents a remarkable surge, doubling from $170 billion in 2021 to $357 billion. Consequently, Dubai ranked first in the MENA region and 12th worldwide for retail industry investments, an improvement from 14th in 2021. The cumulative FDI also generated approximately 12,368 jobs, placing Dubai sixth globally in terms of employment creation through FDI.
Several key factors contribute to this impressive growth. Leadership in Dubai has been instrumental in nurturing a creative environment. H. H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasized the importance of an enabling environment supported by appropriate infrastructure, laws, and regulations. This has fostered innovation within the creative sector.
Aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the direction general of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai aims to position the emirate among the top three global cities. The support and leadership of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, coupled with collective efforts from relevant parties and investors, have been pivotal in this achievement.
Dubai’s strategic engagement with key markets, including the United States, India, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, has been crucial. These countries are leading foreign investors in Dubai’s creative sectors, contributing significantly to project numbers and capital inflows. Targeted engagement strategies, global missions, and collaborations have enhanced Dubai’s attractiveness as a premier destination for creative talent and investment.
FDI projects in Dubai are notably diverse. In 2022, Greenfield projects accounted for 76% of the total, followed by new investments, mergers and acquisitions, and reinvestment projects. Significant growth was observed in sectors such as non-video game software publishing, custom computer programming services, architectural and engineering services, and data processing. This reflects Dubai’s focus on digital transformation and sustainable development.
Dubai’s leadership in global FDI inflows in the cultural and creative industries underscores its capabilities and sets a precedent for future growth. The city’s blend of cultural diversity, world-class infrastructure, and supportive business environment continues to attract innovative projects and talented individuals globally. As Dubai progresses towards becoming the global capital of the creative economy, it exemplifies how strategic vision and robust support systems can drive significant economic growth and development in creative sectors.