Global SWF has released its 2026 data on state-managed investments. Among the countries managing the largest volumes of assets, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks fourth globally with assets totaling $2.93 trillion. The top five countries are the United States ($13.2 trillion), China ($8.22 trillion), Japan ($3.84 trillion), the UAE ($2.93 trillion), and Norway ($2.27 trillion). Funds managed or directed by the UAE government have been transformed into investments across many countries worldwide. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) with $1.18 trillion, the Investment Corporation with $429 billion, and Mubadala with $358 billion stand out as the country’s largest investment funds. With investments spanning energy, industry, and real estate across nearly every region of the world, the UAE is able to compete with major global actors.
Relative to its overall economic size, the UAE successfully converts its vast overseas resources into efficient and profitable investments. Investments made through central banks, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds also positively contribute to the country’s political and diplomatic capacity. These global investments enhance the UAE’s international recognition while ensuring that national resources are utilized in a more sustainable, long-term manner. Cities in the UAE rank among the world’s wealthiest in terms of investment fund assets, with a combined volume reaching trillions of dollars. Abu Dhabi, in particular, is recognized as the city hosting the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, surpassing cities such as Oslo, New York, and London. Abu Dhabi is expected to make even larger strategic moves during the 2026–2027 period.
Similarly, Dubai is expected to gain further momentum, especially in residential real estate investment funds. The city’s annual residential transaction volume exceeding $200 billion continues to attract long-term investment funds. Between 2020 and 2025, Dubai’s total residential transaction volume surpassed $1 trillion, accompanied by a significant influx of dollar millionaires. According to the latest data, Dubai became the top destination for new dollar millionaires in 2025. In addition, Dubai hosted over 20 million tourists last year, placing it among the world’s most visited cities. While the city ranked third globally in 2023, it continues to remain within the top ten today. Dubai maintains its growth trajectory driven by trade, real estate, and tourism, attracting foreign investors at a remarkable scale. As a result, the total wealth of investors who have moved to the city over the past three years is estimated to exceed $150 billion. Considering the UAE’s economic scale, it is evident that the country, with a population of approximately 11 million, holds trillion-dollar assets and is expected to continue expanding its investment capacity.
As Parcel Estates, we closely experience and monitor developments across the country. Therefore, we invite you to take advantage of the opportunities available in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.
