Dubai: According to Gulf News, the United Arab Emirates has moved up to third place globally in total sovereign wealth and public pension assets, with a combined portfolio of $2.49 trillion (Dh9.17 trillion) as of mid-2025, according to Global SWF.
This puts the UAE behind only the United States, which tops the list with USD 12.12 trillion, and China, which has USD 3.36 trillion, making it the largest holder of sovereign-owned investor (SOI) assets in the Middle East.
SOI assets include both sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and public pension funds. The UAE's top position is due to the strong performance of a large network of government-backed investment organizations.
Leading entities include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, and the Dubai Investment Corporation.
According to the news report, the Emirates Investment Authority, Sharjah Asset Management, RAK Investment Authority, and Dubai World are among the other contributors.
These organizations operate globally diversified portfolios in a variety of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, logistics, and a growing emphasis on clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable industries.
The UAE's climb in the rankings reflects its long-term economic vision and proactive fiscal planning. Sovereign wealth funds have played an important role in the country's aim to develop a diversified, post-oil economy by expanding its global investment presence and forming strategic collaborations around the world.
Other countries that are major global holders of SOI assets include Japan (USD 2. 22 trillion), Norway (USD 1. 9 trillion), Canada (USD 1. 86 trillion), Singapore (USD 1.59 trillion), Australia (USD 1.53 trillion), Saudi Arabia (USD 1. 53 trillion), and South Korea (USD 1. 17 trillion).
According to Gulf News, the UAE's sovereign wealth institutions are set to remain important in influencing worldwide capital flows, owing to their growing global investment footprint.
