UAE’s $2.49 Trillion Sovereign Wealth: Third Most Powerful Globally After US and China

In a stunning achievement, the UAE has secured the third spot in global sovereign wealth rankings, managing a massive $2.49 trillion (Dh9.17 trillion) in assets, according to the Global SWF 2025 mid-year report. This places the UAE just behind the United States, with $12.12 trillion, and China, with $3.36 trillion, cementing its position as the Middle East’s financial powerhouse. What Is UAE Sovereign Wealth? Sovereign wealth includes assets held by government-owned investment vehicles, such as sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and public pension funds. These funds are used to invest in a wide range of assets—stocks, bonds, real estate, and even private companies—to secure long-term financial stability. For the UAE, its sovereign wealth is largely built on oil revenues but is now being channeled into diverse sectors to reduce reliance on oil. The UAE’s $2.49 trillion in sovereign wealth assets comes from a network of powerful institutions. Leading the charge is the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s largest SWFs, managing over $1.11 trillion. Other key players include Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Smaller but significant contributors include the Emirates Investment Authority, Sharjah Asset Management, RAK Investment Authority, and Dubai World. Together, these entities manage highly diversified portfolios spanning