Dubai leads globally for greenfield FDI projects for 5th consecutive year

- Dubai secured a record 7% share of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2025

Dubai has reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield FDI projects for the 5th consecutive year, according to data published by the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database.

In 2025, Dubai delivered one of its strongest inward FDI performances since 2015 with a total of 1,253 greenfield FDI projects announced, a 10.5% increase on 2024. According to the data, Dubai also secured a record 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in Dubai's history.  

The results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and consolidate its position as a leading global destination for business, investment, and innovation. Launched in 2023, the D33 agenda includes the launch of projects that will drive sustainable economic growth through innovative approaches and double GDP by 2033, making Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy PM, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economyal shifts into growth pathways, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. 

“We are proud of the trust that investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world continue to place in Dubai. This confidence reflects the resilience of our economy, the strength of our fundamentals and our ability to constantly create new opportunities for growth.

“Dubai’s competitiveness is also built on our ability to anticipate change, adapt quickly and transform global shifts into growth pathways. As we strengthen our position as the preferred global destination for investment, we remain focused on creating long-term economic value and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major player in the global economy. 

"Our ambition is not only to attract investment, but to create an environment where the world’s brightest talent and most ambitious businesses come together to build the industries and opportunities of tomorrow.” 

Strengthening its position as a preferred global base for multinational corporations, Dubai retained the No. 1 global ranking for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the 4th consecutive year, reflecting sustained confidence in the emirate’s ability to support regional and international expansion. Dubai also maintained its global leadership in AI-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth year running, reinforcing its position as a centre for innovation-led growth and advanced technologies.

Dubai further ranked No. 1 globally across several strategic clusters, including information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, and environmental technology. 

For the first time, Dubai ranked No. 1 globally in manufacturing FDI projects, marking a significant milestone in the city’s economic diversification journey and highlighting its growing role as an emerging cutting-edge manufacturing centre, directly aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. 

Dubai also secured the No. 1 global position in transportation and warehousing across projects, reflecting its continued strength as a global logistics and trade gateway. In addition, Dubai ranked first globally in several high-impact industries, including food and beverages, electronic components, healthcare, business machines and equipment, cleantech, metals and e-commerce. 

Notably, Dubai was the only destination city worldwide to attract more than 10 greenfield FDI projects across several of these sectors, meeting the global ranking threshold and demonstrating the breadth of its diversified economic base and its ability to sustain investment momentum across both established and future-focused industries.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said: “Dubai’s ability to maintain its global leadership in greenfield FDI attraction for the 5th consecutive year is a testament to the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the continued confidence international investors place in the emirate. 

"While global markets may have navigated significant challenges over recent months, Dubai entered this period with quantifiable momentum, attracting record levels of capital. This is a clear reflection of the trust that investors and multinational corporations place in our future-ready ecosystem. 

“This performance underscores the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the depth of its public- private partnerships, and the efficacy of a well-defined forward-looking regulatory framework that continues to attract high-quality investment across priority sectors. These results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, highlighting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations.”

Beyond the headline rankings, 2025 saw broad-based growth across capital deployment and project activity. The city attracted US$8.83 B in greenfield FDI capital in 2025, according to the fDi Markets database. Greenfield FDI also supported the creation of 38,918 jobs in 2025, an 18.8% increase from 32,754 jobs in 2024. 

Performance during the year was also shaped by a mix of investment types, with continued momentum across greenfield projects, reinvestments, venture capital-backed activity, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic expansions. 

Dubai attracted investment across key business functions including business services; construction; retail; logistics, distribution and transportation; and manufacturing. This reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s ability to support diverse operational requirements, from regional headquarters and logistics hubs to advanced manufacturing and consumer-facing businesses. 

HE Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET said: “The scale and quality of FDI inflows in 2025 reflect sustained global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory. The continued inflow of capital investment is further evidence that investors are deepening their operational presence rather than adopting short-term positioning strategies. 

"From headquarters and high-value manufacturing to AI, fintech, logistics, and creative industries, the diversity and quality of investment flows demonstrate Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural shifts in the global economy. Investors recognise that Dubai offers a unique combination of agile regulation, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to top-tier global talent. 

"As we continue to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, deal activity and expansion momentum remain strong, reinforcing our outlook for accelerating momentum in 2026 and beyond.”

Dubai FDI Monitor data confirmed continued confidence from a diverse mix of international source markets, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a globally connected investment hub. Source markets varied across capital flows and project activity, reflecting broad-based investor confidence from North America, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. India topped the list of top 10 investors, with China in 5th place and Singapore ranked 7th. 

Sectoral performance remained broad-based, with strong investment activity across business services, hotels and tourism, transportation and warehousing, consumer products, real estate, software and IT services, and financial services, demonstrating continued momentum across both traditional and future-economy sectors.

A recently-announced AED2.5 B economic incentive package reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to governance. Designed to ease financial pressures, enhance liquidity, and support business continuity across key sectors, the package includes fee deferrals across hospitality, trade, and licensing, extended customs grace periods, and streamlined residency permit processes to support global talent attraction and retention. 

From Singapore consumer-led innovation in window solutions to going global: mc.2

Source: mc.2. Blinds installed at
the Warren Golf and Country Club
in Singapore.

Wilson Chew, founder, Singapore-based mc.2, pivoted from electronics retail to window solutions in 2017. He had noticed that balcony spaces in homes and offices in Singapore were underutilised because of heat, monsoon rain and persistent humidity, inspiring him to invest in purpose-built solutions designed specifically for Singapore's conditions. 

Instead of selling through samples and catalogues as was traditional for his competitors, Chew opened Singapore's first smart blinds and curtains fashion gallery in 2018, enabling home owners and businesses to see everything in person. The 4,200 sq ft showroom space showcased the first locally-researched and manufactured outdoor zip blind system in Singapore among other solutions, signalling that mc.2 understood how to address unmet needs in practical ways.

The brand's latest solution is the MAGNAZip+ system of zip blinds, which is engineered specifically for tropical conditions. The product features magnetic anti-crease technology and an eight-year warranty. According to mc.2, ordinary zip blinds lose tension over time, causing creases. Ultimately, gaps can appear, allowing wind and rain to get in.  

"Beyond residential homes, we’re also seeing growing interest from businesses looking to create more comfortable and functional spaces with zip blinds. From clubhouses and cafés to retail storefronts and commercial spaces, many are turning to zip blinds not just for their sleek aesthetic, but also for practical benefits such as improved weather protection, reduced heat and glare, added privacy, and better energy efficiency," shared Chew, MD, mc.2.

The company was acquired in May by Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window coverings and architectural window products operating in over 100 countries. 

"Joining Hunter Douglas marks a defining moment for mc.2. This is not just about growth, but about elevating the standards of window furnishings in Singapore. With their global expertise behind us, we are in a stronger position to lead the next phase of innovation in the market," said Chew. 

Advanced ZEISS telephoto capabilities available on the vivo X300 FE

- By combining flagship- level imaging hardware, all-day battery endurance, and seamless ecosystem connectivity in a lightweight body, X300 FE redefines what a light flagship device can achieve without compromise. 

 

Phone brand vivo has launched the X300 FE, a lightweight flagship engineered for leading imaging performance. Designed for the modern urban explorer who demands professional-grade imaging, productivity, and uncompromising performance, the X300 FE integrates the vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System, advanced AI capabilities, and long-term software support within a compact design. 

 

Source: vivo. X300 FE is available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black.

X300 FE follows a clean and compact flat-design philosophy. At 191 g and 7.99 mm thin, the device delivers a sense of lightness and effortless handling. Its 6.31" flat display features ultra-narrow bezels, presenting a symmetrical front profile that combines confidence in one-handed use with refined elegance. 

A metallic back with matte texture and soft colour gradients reflects a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic. The Metallic Sand AG glass back with upgraded matte texture provides a smoother tactile feel and improved fingerprint resistance. Aerospace-grade aluminum framing ensures the device maintains structural resilience without compromising portability. 

The dynamic camera module is integrated through a floating, droplet-shaped cold-sculpting process, creating a seamless transition between the camera module and the phone body. X300 FE features a 50 MP ZEISS super telephoto camera, a 50 MP ZEISS main camera, and a 110° ultra-wide low-distortion camera which deliver clarity, accurate colour rendering, and flexible focal coverage. 

For the first time in the FE series, users can obtain a 200 mm equivalent focal length with the vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2. Built on a compact Kepler-based optical architecture, the vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 integrates 15 high-transmittance glass elements in two groups. Compared to the previous generation, the weight has gone from 210 g to 153 g without compromising optical quality. 

Powered by AI True Clarity Engine, which combines NICE 3.0 Optical Reconstruction Engine, MAGIC 2.0 Image Restoration Engine, and Magic Cloud, X300 FE improves image detail and texture reconstruction across diverse shooting conditions, delivering clearer results even in challenging light or long-range capture. 

Stage Mode is optimised for concerts and live events, combining telephoto hardware with algorithm tuning to capture subjects clearly under complex lighting conditions. Powered by the Telephoto Magic 2.0 algorithm and GTR 3.0 optimisations, Ultra-Clear Stage Photography significantly enhances telephoto portrait clarity, rendering facial details with lifelike precision, accurate colour reproduction, soft tonal transitions, and vibrant yet balanced saturation. 

Dual-View Stage Video further enables users to record both the stage and their reactions simultaneously, preserving every spotlight moment with greater energy and emotional depth. Additionally, Flash Portrait enhances low-light performance with adaptive zoom flash, delivering balanced illumination and realistic skin tones.

Street Photography Mode celebrates the beauty of imperfection. By preserving natural grain, subtle motion blur, and ambient light variations, it conveys the atmosphere and emotional depth beyond technical perfection. ZEISS Multifocal Portrait provides multiple classic focal lengths from 23 mm to 100 mm for natural-looking portraits with refined background separation. 

X300 FE also supports a variety of video formats to meet diverse creative demands: 4K at 60 fps for effortless daily vlogging, 4K at 120 fps for remarkably crisp and clear footage, and 8K at 30 fps for ultra- high-definition detail.

The AI creative camera brings a new dimension of creative freedom and playfulness to the X300 FE, seamlessly blending AI Portrait with a suite of artistic styles ranging from Travel Portraits and Anime to Stage aesthetics. Complementing these tools is a robust set of AI-driven features, including AI Magic Move, AI Image Expander, AI Reflection Erase, and AI Erase. 

X300 FE comes with OriginOS 6, vivo’s latest operating system (OS). It creates a fluid hardware-to-software loop that delivers a truly unified, 'one-experience-across-all-devices' feel. There is a vivo Office Kit for seamless, enhanced productivity across Windows, Mac, and iPad, alongside One-Tap Transfer for iPhone and the Origin Island for intelligent intent recognition. This interconnected digital life is fortified by robust vivo security and a dedicated Private Space, establishing a secure sanctuary for critical files, photos, and applications through advanced isolation. 

Finally, the system ensures peak performance longevity through the Origin Smooth Engine, delivering exceptionally fluid interactions and a guaranteed five-year Smooth Experience that maintains flagship responsiveness over time.

X300 FE is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 platform, ensuring fast data access, efficient multitasking, and stable responsiveness across demanding scenarios, from gaming to content creation. To sustain performance, X300 FE features an advanced Efficient VC Liquid Cooling System with a 4,005 mm² vapour chamber and high-performance thermal graphite, maintaining stable temperatures and consistent frame rates even under extended high-load use. 

Despite its slim body, X300 FE integrates a 6,500 mAh BlueVolt battery, supported by 90 W FlashCharge and 40 W wireless charge for rapid power recovery while maintaining long-term battery stability. 4th-gen Silicon Anode technology and an intelligent Energy Efficiency Engine enhance energy density and charging efficiency without compromising safety or lifespan. 

With IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, X300 FE combines flagship-level performance with structural durability, adapting to diverse daily environments. For reliable long-term use, X300 FE comes with five years of OS upgrades, seven years of security maintenance, and five years of Smooth Experience. 

Details

X300 FE is available in two colourways that capture urban energy and emotion: Mist Purple and Luxe Black. Each colour is developed to reflect contemporary urban aesthetics, balancing subtle texture with refined tonal depth. 

The vivo X300FE will be available in Singapore from 6 June 2026. 

Customers in Singapore can pre-order the phone from 25 May – 5 June 2026 via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok and authorised retailers including Challenger, Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman, Gain City and Popular. Starting 6 June, the phone will be available at the authorised retailers and telco partners. 

• X300FE (12 GB + 256 GB): S$1,099 

• X300FE Telephoto Extender Kit: from S$299. This kit is available in limited quantities, while stocks last.  

Purchase the vivo X300 FE together with the vivo X300 FE Telephoto Extender Kit before 14 June 2026 to enjoy S$100 off.  

Any purchase of vivo X300FE will be entitled to: 

• Buds Air3 (worth S$99) 

• Two-year local warranty and 3 months screen care 

The vivo Experience and Service Store is at 313@somerset,
313 Orchard Rd, #B2-44/45, Singapore 238895 

1 Unless otherwise specified, all data is based on our technical design parameters, laboratory test results, and supplier test data. Some data may be peak performance data. Actual performance may vary depending on software version, specific test environment, and phone model. 

2 Pixel value may vary under different camera modes and is subject to actual usage.

3 Actual dimensions and weight may vary due to processes variations, measurement methods, material supplies, and production batches.

4 This product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC Standard 60529. The dust and water resistance is not permanent and may be reduced with daily use. Damage caused by liquid ingress is not covered by warranty.

5 X300 FE features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 6,500 mAh (3.75 V), with a typical energy of 24.38 Wh; rated capacity is 6350 mAh (3.75 V), with a rated energy of 22.34 Wh.

6 AI features and cross-device transfer functions may vary according to local regulatory requirements. For details, please refer to the official vivo website in your country.

Manami Resort unveils new dive sites in untouched reef system

Source: Manami Resort. 

Manami Resort in Sipalay, the Philippines, has introduced two newly-discovered offshore dive sites in one of the region’s most intact and least-explored reef systems. The two sites represent a significant addition to Sipalay’s dive offering, particularly for experienced divers seeking less frequented, high-quality reef environments.

Located less than 1 km from the resort and accessible within 10 minutes by boat, the sites sit within a broad offshore reef network west of Manami. Characterised by deep reef structures, coral formations and open blue water, the area remained largely undocumented until early 2026. While signs of past weather events are still visible, the overall ecosystem continues to sustain strong biodiversity and balanced marine populations.

Manami Resort offers exclusive access to Jonel’s Garden and G A P, both of which were identified in March 2026. G A P was first discovered when a shifting current carried divers into an uncharted section of reef. Jonel’s Garden, mapped shortly after, is defined by intricate coral formations and thriving marine life.

“Even in a place like Sipalay, there are still parts of the ocean that remain largely unexplored,” said Cristina Corro, Founder of Manami Resort.

“The discovery of these sites reinforces how much there is still to protect and understand. For us, it is about creating access in a way that remains thoughtful, controlled and respectful of the ecosystem.”

Jonel's Garden

Jonel’s Garden sits at depths of 18 to 25 m and is defined by islet-like coral formations composed of both hard and soft corals. Swim-through spaces and a garden of Montipora corals create a layered underwater landscape, supporting reef species such as snappers, barracuda and resident reef fish. 

G A P 

G A P, located 25 to 30 m down, features large coral structures separated by wide gaps, along with a striking wave-shaped reef pinnacle. The site is known for encounters with large pelagic species, including schools of giant trevally, as well as groupers, emperors and barracuda.

Across both sites, divers can expect to see large green sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and an abundance of fusiliers. The presence of larger predatory fish, increasingly rare in many parts of the region, reflects the relative health and low levels of human impact within these reef systems.

Diving conditions vary, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres depending on the season, and optimal conditions typically occurring between April and June. Due to the depth and currents, the sites are suited to Advanced Open Water divers and above, with all dives guided by experienced professionals. 

“These sites offer something increasingly difficult to find, which is a sense of true exploration,” said Giro Solatorio, GM, Manami Resort. 

“You are not just observing marine life, you are entering a system that feels largely undisturbed. That changes how people experience the ocean.”

Details

Jonel’s Garden and G A P are exclusively accessible to Manami guests as part of the resort’s marine experiences. All dives are conducted with a strict no-touch, no-take approach, with an emphasis on buoyancy control and responsible interaction to preserve the reef’s condition. 

The introduction of these sites builds on Manami’s Reef Retreat programme, further strengthening its positioning as a destination for nature-led, conservation-conscious travel.

Manami Resort is the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Named after the Hiligaynon word for “beautiful,” Manami features a collection of villas and suites that celebrate local craftsmanship and the art of slow living. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in curated nature and marine experiences, restorative wellness journeys at Linong Spa, and Spanish-Filipino dining infused with local Negrense flavours.

Alibaba's Qwen Glasses get more AI oomph

Alibaba has made a major upgrade to its Qwen AI Glasses with the introduction of proactive AI services, expanded everyday-life capabilities, and spatial 3D display capabilities. The update marks a significant step in evolving its AI wearables from a passive assistant into an intuitive, anticipatory companion, the company said.

Moving beyond traditional "ask-and-answer" interactions, the new proactive service system enables Qwen Glasses to understand context and act ahead of user requests. By learning user preferences and behaviour patterns and integrating real-time signals such as time, location, and environmental conditions, the AI delivers timely reminders or executes tasks automatically.

For example, the glasses can analyse weather forecasts, individual schedules, and the current location to proactively suggest bringing an umbrella if rain is expected during the morning commute. The device can track how long it’s been worn and user's postures, reminding them to lift their head and stretch.

The proactive capability also supports a range of everyday functions, including morning news briefings, personalised music playlists, workout route tracking, navigation, and fitness milestone tracking. Together, these features enable the glasses to provide continuous assistance throughout the day.

In addition, several core capabilities of Alibaba’s consumer-facing Qwen App will soon be available on the glasses, including ride-hailing, food delivery, trip planning, review searches, and movie ticket purchases. Users can access these services directly through the glasses, minimising phone dependency a range of work and lifestyle scenarios. 

Notably, the upgraded Qwen Glasses pioneers spatial 3D display in AI glasses, using dual optical engines with binocular stereoscopic imaging technology to deliver high-quality 3D visuals. Unlike conventional smart glasses that project flat 2D overlays, Qwen Glasses renders information with depth, layering, and spatial awareness. This allows navigation prompts, information cards, and other content to appear more naturally within the user’s field of view, enhancing readability and comfort.

Source: Alibaba.  Alibaba debuted the Qwen Glasses at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, accelerating its wearable AI strategy and unifying its AI ecosystem under the flagship Qwen brand.

According to Wellsenn XR, a research firm specialising in the smart glasses industry, Qwen Glasses have captured a 53% market share in China based on cumulative online sales since their official launch.

The World Brands Foundation holds award ceremonies for The BrandLaureate awards in April

The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has presented The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026 alongside The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026. 

For The BrandLaureate, each recognition platform is a reaffirmation of brand purpose, principled leadership, and long-term value creation. In today's increasingly discerning environment, brands are defined not only by visibility, but by the strength of their governance, the discipline of their strategy, and the trust they inspire among stakeholders, the company said.

Across the global halal landscape, the progressive growth of bumiputera enterprises and the evolving fast-moving growing and sustainable business and brands (FMGS) sector, branding has become a catalyst for credibility, competitiveness, and sustainable economic contribution.  

The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026, held under the theme Memperkasa Jenama Bumiputera, Keunggulan Diiktiraf, Prestij Dipertingkat (Empowering the Bumiputera Brand, Excellence Recognized, Prestige Enhanced) celebrates the strength, resilience and growing authority of bumiputera brands. 

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, these brands have demonstrated that strong identity, structured governance and strategic branding are catalysts for sustainable growth, the organisers said. 

This year's recipients include United AsiaPac Energy, Bartech Empire, Dians Signature, Kedai Emas Kamarulhadi (Kaharo Jewels), Normey Holdings, QUL Holdings Malaysia (QHSB), Sahabat Ikhtiar Trading Sdn Bhd (Sahabat Ar Rahnu), Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS).

The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BrandLeadership Award 2026 further recognised  individuals for excellence in leadership, brand building, and industry influence. This year's recipients include Puan Nurul Adlinna Mohammad Bakri, Founder of Bartech Empire and Puan Siti Adira Binti Suhaimi (Adira), a Malaysian singer and entrepreneur.  

"In a world of expanding opportunities and intensifying competition, branding is what elevates a business into a lasting force — it is what makes a brand be seen, heard, known, and remembered," said President Emeritus Professor Dr KK Johan, World President of The World Brands Foundation. 

Source: The BrandLaureate. The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) celebrated The BrandLaureate Bumiputera BestBrands Awards 2026 and The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026.

In addition, The BrandLaureate presented The BrandLaureate Fast Moving Growing & Sustainable Business and Brands Awards 2026. This award recognises brands that exemplify resilience, adaptability and sustained growth in an ever-evolving business landscape. In an increasingly competitive environment, these brands have demonstrated strong governance, innovation and strategic agility as key drivers of long-term value creation. 

Awarded organisations include Huachang Growmax, and Medipulih Group (Medipulih Klinik). 

Explore

See the full list of winners and award categories.