UAE Becomes World’s 3rd Largest Sovereign Wealth Holder
The United Arab Emirates has officially claimed the third spot globally in terms of total sovereign wealth and public pension assets, according to the latest mid-year review from Global SWF. With a combined total of $2.49 trillion, the UAE trails only the United States and China, marking a major leap in its economic and investment footprint.
UAE Climbs to Third Globally
This milestone positions the UAE behind only the United States ($12.12 trillion) and China ($3.36 trillion), placing it ahead of giants like Japan and Norway. The country is now the top-ranked sovereign investor in the Middle East, reflecting the rapid expansion and consolidation of its state-owned investment portfolios.
According to the report cited in The Times of India, the UAE’s sovereign assets now account for over 10% of global SOI holdings, underlining its influence in international capital markets.
ADIA, Mubadala, and ADQ Drive Asset Growth
The remarkable rise is largely credited to a handful of powerhouse entities headquartered in Abu Dhabi and Dubai:
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA): Manages an estimated $1.06 trillion, making it one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally.
- Mubadala Investment Company: With assets nearing $326 billion, Mubadala has aggressively expanded into tech, AI, space, and healthcare sectors.
- ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding): Holding over $157 billion in assets, ADQ has spread its interests across energy, logistics, food security, and industrial sectors.
- Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD): The emirate’s primary investment arm with holdings across finance, transportation, and tourism, totaling around $320 billion.
Other players contributing to this total include the Emirates Investment Authority, Dubai World, and various emirate-level asset managers like Sharjah Asset Management and RAK Investment Authority.
Focus on Diversification and Future Readiness
Much of the UAE’s sovereign wealth momentum stems from its strategy of diversification beyond oil, aligning with Vision 2031 and net-zero goals. Investments in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global logistics hubs have played a pivotal role.
UAE sovereign entities are also expanding their presence in emerging markets, venture capital, and sustainability-linked projects, making them not just passive investors but global development influencers.
Global Sovereign Wealth Ranking (Mid-Year 2025)
| Rank | Country | Total SOI Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | $12.12 trillion |
| 2 | China | $3.36 trillion |
| 3 | UAE | $2.49 trillion |
