UAE - Mubasher: Dubai's financial services sector has led the global ranking in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2021, according to a report published by the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI).

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has occupied the first position among the global free zones in attracting FDIs during the five-year period from 2017 to 2021.

The DIFC has attracted 58 FDI projects worth AED 926.2 million to Dubai's financial sector last year.

The FDI projects include SRI Group Global, an international group of companies; Teamup Ventures, an incubation and acceleration platform; FFA Private Bank, one of Lebanon’s investment companies; and Pretium, a specialised alternative investment company.

The ranking is based on the 'fDi Markets’ data of the Financial Times', which includes a database of cross-border greenfield investments across all countries and sectors in the world.

The CEO of DIFC Authority, Arif Amiri, said: "The Centre’s commitment to further differentiate itself as the region’s leading global financial centre, positioned alongside other global cities, such as London, New York, Paris and Singapore, reflects our commitment to continuously evolve our existing world-class business-enabling ecosystem, legal and regulatory framework, and innovation proposition to attract companies from around the world."

The CEO of Dubai FDI, Fahad Al Gergawi, commented: "The Centre’s world-class infrastructure, as well as its stable and innovative environment, have been the reasons for its success. On the other hand, Dubai’s top ranking in FDI is a testament to its strong fundamentals and the confidence that investors and multinationals have in this region."