Dubai has retained its position as the world’s leading destination for attracting Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) for the third consecutive year. In 2024, the emirate attracted 971 such projects, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. These investments brought in AED 18.86 billion in capital inflows and created 23,517 new jobs, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to fostering a vibrant creative economy .
This achievement is attributed to Dubai’s strategic initiatives and supportive policies aimed at enhancing its investment landscape. Notably, Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025 allows free zone establishments to expand their operations beyond designated zones, provided they obtain the necessary permits. Additionally, the ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ programme seeks to streamline government procedures, further facilitating business operations. These measures align with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as a global hub for business, creativity, and innovation .
