The UAE has emerged as a leading global hub for Islamic investments, attracting $1.53 billion in deals between 2023 and 2024. This makes it one of the top destinations for investors seeking to align with Islamic principles.
Key Highlights of UAE’s Islamic Investment Landscape
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Significant Deal Volume: Over the past year, the UAE saw 50 transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity (PE), and venture capital (VC) deals. This data comes from the 11th edition of the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report by US-based research firm DinarStandard.
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Contribution to the Global Halal Economy: These investments are part of the broader “global halal economy,” which was valued at an estimated $7.3 trillion in 2023. This includes approximately $2.4 trillion in Muslim consumer spending and $4.9 trillion in Islamic finance assets.
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Global Standing: Globally, $5.8 billion in capital was invested across 225 Islamic-economy-related businesses during 2023-2024. The UAE secured the second position in terms of value, following Indonesia ($1.6 billion from 40 deals) and ahead of Saudi Arabia ($1.08 billion from 34 deals).
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Overall Islamic Economy Influence: The UAE’s strong performance extends beyond investments, ranking fourth in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI). This is attributed to the country’s extensive trade networks, strong export capabilities, and innovative environment.
Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO and Managing Partner of DinarStandard, emphasized that the UAE’s robust trade connections, advanced digital and AI initiatives, and expanding halal manufacturing capabilities solidify its position as a major influencer in the global Islamic economy.
This analysis by DinarStandard was conducted in collaboration with SalaamGateway.com, the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA).
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