The UAE has launched a AED 36.7 billion ($10 billion) National Investment Fund aimed at boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) and reinforcing its position as a leading global business hub, the UAE Government Media Office announced.

Speaking during a special Cabinet session held at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the fund was approved to offer financial incentive packages designed to stimulate international investment across strategic sectors.

“Our message to global investors is clear. The UAE welcomes you,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “The UAE will provide the world’s best environment for investment. The UAE will continue to support your growth and long-term success,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

With an initial capital of $10 billion, the National Investment Fund is expected to raise annual FDI inflows from 115 billion dirhams ($31.3 billion) to 240 billion dirhams ($65.3 billion) by 2031. The total accumulated stock of foreign investment is projected to climb from 800 billion dirhams ($217.8 billion) to 2.2 trillion dirhams ($599.4 billion) over the same period.

The fund will provide development packages targeting companies capable of delivering significant economic impact and enable direct financing of strategic opportunities through federal collaboration with investment, economic, and tourism authorities across the Emirates.

The Cabinet also endorsed the National Identity Strategy, a framework supported by 70 government initiatives aimed at fostering national belonging, strengthening family and social cohesion, and promoting the Emirati identity internationally.

First introduced by Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al-Qassimi during the Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, the strategy aligns with the UAE President’s declaration of the upcoming year as the Year of the Family. It will be complemented by the launch of the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, which focuses on embedding family values and preserving culture and heritage.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed progress on the National Industrial Strategy, highlighting a rise in industrial sector investments to 110 billion dirhams ($29.9 billion)—a 244 percent increase over the past five years. Industrial exports have reached 197 billion dirhams ($53.6 billion), and the sector now contributes 210 billion dirhams ($57.1 billion) to the country’s GDP, with a target of 300 billion dirhams ($81.6 billion) by 2031.

On regional cooperation, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to economic integration within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “The UAE today holds the highest number of economic licenses issued to citizens of other GCC countries, totaling 36,000,” Sheikh Mohammed said. He added that over 52,000 GCC citizens own property in the UAE, while 7,500 students from the bloc are enrolled in the country’s public universities.

Trade between the UAE and GCC countries reached 333 billion dirhams ($90.6 billion), with Sheikh Mohammed emphasizing that “strengthening GCC cooperation is a principle established by the late Sheikh Zayed, and it remains a cornerstone of our national vision.”

The Cabinet session took place alongside the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow, which Sheikh Mohammed described as a successful international platform attracting over 150,000 specialists and delegates from 115 countries. He noted that the aviation industry contributed 340 billion dirhams ($92.5 billion)—equivalent to 18.2 percent of GDP—in the previous year, with the country’s airports handling 148 million passengers, a 10 percent increase compared to 2023.