Dubai, UAE — The United Arab Emirates has continued to attract global companies looking to establish regional or global headquarters. In 2025, several major corporations, including PayPal and Veon, have either announced or completed the relocation of their headquarters to the UAE.
This trend is supported by the country’s legislative and digital infrastructure, as well as its strategic location.
A report from the Kearney Foundation ranked the UAE second among emerging markets in its “FDI Confidence Index 2025.”
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) also included the country in its “World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025.”
In April 2025, PayPal opened its first regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa in Dubai. The Nasdaq-listed telecommunications company Veon also moved its global headquarters to the city.
Other companies that have recently established offices in the UAE include Partners Group, Bitcoin.com, and Fortress Investment Group. These new ventures join a list of established global firms already operating in the country, such as Meta, Google, Oracle, and Microsoft.
Mohamed Karam, Regional Manager at InSinkErator, commented on the trend, stating that the UAE has “solidified its position as a preferred investment destination for multinational companies, thanks to its dynamic and advanced business environment.”
Vinay Surana, Regional CEO for Allianz Partners, noted that the UAE provides “ideal growth opportunities, supported by a comprehensive system of investment-friendly legislation, digital innovation, and high-quality services.” Hasan Onder, President of Daikin Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, also highlighted the country’s “outstanding business environment that combines flexibility, innovation, and advanced infrastructure.”