The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has partnered with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited to accelerate foreign investment and capital inflows into Dubai, aligning with the emirate’s long-term economic expansion strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
What is the new partnership about?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited to deepen cooperation in attracting global capital into Dubai. The partnership focuses on enabling international businesses and investors to establish or expand their presence in the emirate.
Why is this partnership important now?
The agreement directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three global cities. Increasing foreign direct investment and private sector participation remains a key priority.
DET will engage with HSBC’s international corporate, institutional, and private wealth clients who are exploring entry into Dubai. It will provide support such as licensing guidance, regulatory assistance, and ecosystem navigation for businesses, family offices, and investors setting up regional headquarters or investment platforms.
Which investors and sectors are being targeted?
The collaboration targets multinational corporations, private equity firms, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Focus areas will align with priority sectors outlined in the D33 agenda, with an emphasis on strategic enterprises and long-term capital deployment.
Here’s how does HSBC contribute to this collaboration:
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited brings its global banking network and strong presence across Asia to facilitate cross-border investment flows. It will connect international clients with opportunities in Dubai and support capital movement into the region.
What role does the Asia–Middle East corridor play?
A major focus of the agreement is strengthening the Asia–Middle East investment corridor. The partnership will leverage HSBC’s presence in markets such as Japan, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong to increase capital flows into Dubai and improve regional connectivity.
What has been the past collaboration between DET and HSBC?
The two entities have collaborated since 2023, starting with joint initiatives around the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. This included investor outreach, corporate delegations, and strategic engagements with global business leaders to promote Dubai as an investment destination.
What economic indicators support this move?
Dubai’s economic performance remains strong. The city recorded a GDP of approximately AED937 billion in 2025, growing 5.4 percent year-on-year. It also saw 643 greenfield foreign direct investment projects in the first half of 2025, the highest globally for any half-year period since 2003.
The partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and HSBC Bank Middle East Limited is expected to increase global capital inflow into Dubai. HSBC will connect international investors, while DET will simplify licensing and market entry. This reduces friction and helps capital move faster into the UAE.
The agreement will also bring more institutional investors, private equity firms, and family offices into the region. This creates a more active and competitive investment environment and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global capital hub under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
What does this mean for UAE startups and the ecosystem?
For startups, this means better access to funding and more investor options. As global capital enters Dubai, founders can raise funds more easily across early and growth stages. Increased competition among investors may also improve startup valuations and deal terms.
The presence of global companies and investors will create more partnership opportunities, enterprise deals, and exit pathways such as acquisitions. Startups can also benefit from HSBC’s global network, which opens access to markets in Asia and beyond.
Over time, this will strengthen the UAE startup ecosystem by increasing liquidity, improving global exposure, and attracting more founders and investors. This positions Dubai as a stronger base for startups building for regional and global markets.
