April 14, 2026
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited to deepen collaboration aimed at attracting international corporates, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals to establish or expand their presence in Dubai.
The partnership is designed to enhance engagement with global capital markets participants, including institutional investors, private equity firms, and multinational corporations seeking access to regional investment opportunities or looking to set up financing and treasury operations in the emirate.
Strengthening Global Connectivity Through Finance
By combining DET’s economic development mandate with HSBC’s extensive global network, the agreement seeks to further position Dubai as a leading hub for capital deployment, cross-border trade, and international business expansion across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
A key focus of the collaboration is strengthening financial and trade connectivity between Asia and the UAE, leveraging HSBC’s strong presence across major Asian financial centres. This will help facilitate smoother investment flows and deeper economic integration between the two regions.
The agreement also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and elevate its ranking among the world’s top three global cities through increased foreign direct investment and private sector growth.
Expanding Market Access and Investment Opportunities
Under the partnership, DET will engage HSBC’s global corporate, institutional, and private wealth clients who are considering entering or expanding within Dubai. The focus will be on priority sectors identified under the D33 strategy.
DET will also provide tailored support services, including licensing guidance and ecosystem navigation for investors, family offices, and businesses establishing regional headquarters or investment platforms in the emirate.
In addition, both parties will collaborate on knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance understanding of Dubai’s regulatory environment and business opportunities among HSBC’s global teams.
Leadership Perspective
His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), highlighted that the partnership represents an important step in advancing Dubai’s economic goals under the D33 agenda. He emphasized that aligning DET’s facilitation capabilities with HSBC’s global reach will create structured pathways for international companies and investors to enter and expand in Dubai.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC UAE, noted that Dubai has established itself as a resilient and globally connected economy supported by strong institutions and forward-looking policies. He added that HSBC’s international network, particularly across Asia, will play a key role in facilitating investment flows into Dubai’s growing economy.
Strong Economic Momentum in Dubai
The announcement comes amid continued economic growth in Dubai. The emirate’s GDP reached approximately AED 937 billion in 2025, reflecting 5.4% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) surged to 643 projects in the first half of 2025, marking a record global performance for any half-year period since tracking began.
These results underscore Dubai’s strong investor appeal, supported by progressive regulations, leadership vision, and a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.
Building a Future-Ready Global Business Hub
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global center for trade, investment, and innovation. By aligning government-led facilitation with HSBC’s international client network, the collaboration aims to accelerate capital flows, attract strategic enterprises, and support long-term economic growth.
As Dubai continues to advance its D33 agenda, initiatives like this are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the emirate’s future as a leading global destination for business, finance, and investment.
