The UAE is the third-largest holder of sovereign wealth in the world

UAE is the third largest holder of sovereign wealth                                

 

The UAE is the third-largest holder of sovereign wealth in the world

The UAE ranked third globally in total sovereign wealth and public pension assets, with a total portfolio of $2.49 trillion, according to a mid-2025 report issued by Global SWF, a company that tracks and analyzes sovereign wealth funds and public pension funds worldwide.

This ranking places the UAE behind the United States, which tops the list with $12.12 trillion, and China with $3.36 trillion, making it the largest holder of sovereign investor assets in the Middle East. State-owned investment assets include capital managed by sovereign wealth funds and public pension funds. These funds are designed to invest in a diverse range of global assets, from stocks and bonds to real estate and private companies. These funds are used to protect long-term financial stability and national development.

The UAE's high ranking reflects the strong performance of a broad network of government-backed institutional investors. Leading entities in this regard include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company (ADQ), and the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

According to the report, other shareholders include the Emirates Investment Authority, Sharjah Asset Management, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, and Dubai World. These organizations manage globally diversified portfolios across a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, and logistics, with an increasing focus on clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable industries.

The UAE's advanced position in the rankings also reflects its long-term economic vision and proactive financial planning. Sovereign wealth funds have played a pivotal role in the country's strategy to build a diversified post-oil economy by strengthening its global investment presence and establishing global strategic partnerships.

The largest holders of sovereign wealth fund assets

After the United States, China, and the UAE, the largest holders of global sovereign wealth fund assets are Japan ($2.22 trillion), Norway ($1.9 trillion), Canada ($1.86 trillion), Singapore ($1.59 trillion), Australia ($1.53 trillion), Saudi Arabia ($1.53 trillion), and South Korea ($1.17 trillion).