Investments and companies based in the UAE now support an estimated 184,000 jobs in the United States, a figure that underscores Dubai’s growing importance as a strategic hub for American businesses. The data was presented at the Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York, which brought together approximately 700 attendees to discuss the strengthening economic partnership.
Expanding Trade and Investment Ties
A new report from Dubai Chambers highlights the steady expansion of trade between Dubai and the US over the last six years. Dubai’s exports to the US surged by 76 per cent, rising from $5.2 billion in 2018 to $9.3 billion in 2024. During the same period, imports from the US grew by 34 per cent, from $16.6 billion to $22.3 billion.
The US has also cemented its position as Dubai’s leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Between 2015 and 2024, American investors initiated 1,474 projects in the emirate, injecting $21.7 billion in capital. This investment was spread across several key sectors, including hotels and tourism ($7.7 billion), software and IT services ($5.5 billion), business services ($1.55 billion), leisure activities ($1.3 billion), and communications ($1 billion).
In the first half of 2025 alone, the US ranked first globally for FDI capital flows into Dubai, contributing 35 per cent of the total inflows.
Dubai’s Role as a Global Business Hub
According to Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner at EY, Dubai has firmly established itself as the primary hub for US investment into the wider Middle East. He noted that major American companies headquartered in Dubai are increasingly managing operations not just in the Gulf, but also in Africa, Central Asia, and India.
“Dubai offers the advantage of being a global trade hub,” O’Sullivan explained. “It has amazing logistics, connectivity through ports, airports, and airlines. It has a business-friendly government with a very flat governance structure.”
A Magnet for Tech and Digital Assets
The US has been a significant contributor to Dubai’s digital economy. Between 2018 and 2024, it was the top source of FDI in software and IT services, with investments totalling $4.7 billion, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for the emirate’s innovation-driven growth. The recent surge in digital startups in Dubai is driven by AI and fintech, attracting significant international interest.
Faaiz Tameem, Chief Revenue Officer at the tech firm Inadev, said Dubai’s global connectivity and business-friendly environment make it an obvious choice for expansion. “The connectivity that the UAE provides is unmatched, and it’s a big talent attractor,” he stated. “The government is making it so easy to do business, especially for tech firms.”
Dubai’s clear regulatory framework for digital assets has also drawn attention from American entrepreneurs. Nicolas Cary, Co-Founder of Blockchain.com, praised the UAE’s proactive approach. “They were kind of first,” he said, referring to the creation of a dedicated regulator. “By doing so, they provide clarity. Clarity builds trust, and trust attracts entrepreneurs and investment.” He observed that global harmonisation is maturing, particularly around legislation and regulation for digital assets.
Cary added that the broader MENA region remains a key area for long-term market expansion. “You’ve got a lot of young people, a lot of entrepreneurs coming in, and capital is forging. Therefore, we’ve got a keen eye on expansion in the Middle East and Dubai.”
