Foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Arab World totalled $43.9 billion in 2014, according to new data released by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).  

The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), a Kuwait-based pan-Arab organisation and the multilateral investment guarantee provider, compiled the statistics using the data received from 20 of the 22-country members of the Arab League, said  a statement.
 
According to the study, the UAE received the highest amount of FDI, totalling $10.1 billion in 2014, followed by the Saudi Arabia and Egypt at $8 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively.

The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) received almost half of the funds that were invested in the Arab World last year.

On the other hand, Arab countries made FDIs worth $33.4 billion in total.

Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest figures affirm that Arab countries have emerged as an attractive destination for FDIs over the last few years.”

“The Gulf countries in particular have successfully garnered attention of foreign investors and businessmen, reinforcing the confidence of the region’s economy, attractive investment policies, and favourable business environment,” he said.

“We are upbeat that the GCC along with rest of the Arab World will remain an appealing and thriving investment hub in the coming years,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service