During 2013, greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets recorded a 7.53% decrease in the number of foreign investment projects entering the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This trend appears to be reversing in 2014, however, as FDI levels are up in the first two months of the year compared with the same period in 2013.

In January 2014, an increase of 7.14% was recorded in project numbers, compared with January 2013. This was compounded in February when a 45.83% increase in project numbers was observed, compared with February 2013. fDi Markets also recorded an increase in investment capital with $116m more recorded in the first two months of 2014, compared with the same period in 2013.

The source of FDI into UAE has remained relatively consistent over the two periods. The US accounts for the largest proportion of FDI, accounting for 21.53% in the first two months of 2014 and 19.23% in the first two months of 2013. The UK is the second most prolific investor in the country over both periods. Dubai is the most popular destination emirate, accounting for 73% of all FDI into UAE in the first two months of 2014, and 76.92% in the first two months of 2013.