Saudi PIF and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Lead as Sovereign Wealth Fund Assets Surge to $15 Trillion

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

Global sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) recorded unprecedented growth in managed assets, reaching $15 trillion in 2025, buoyed by strong markets and deeper investment in technology and artificial intelligence, according to a recent report by Global SWF.

The report states that state-owned investors directed about $66 billion into AI and digital transformation in 2025, reflecting a growing bet on advanced technologies as a long-term driver of returns. Middle Eastern SWFs led this trend: Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company invested $12.9 billion in AI and digitalization, followed by Kuwait Investment Authority with $6 billion, and Qatar Investment Authority with approximately $4 billion during the same year.

The report highlights the Middle East’s continued rise as a major hub for sovereign wealth, with the seven largest Gulf funds accounting for 43% of all SWF capital invested globally, equivalent to $126 billion - a record high.

In terms of deal activity, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) ranked as the most active in 2025, with investment commitments totaling $36.2 billion. However, much of this figure comes from PIF’s participation in the acquisition of Electronic Arts Inc. Excluding this deal, Mubadala emerged as the most active fund, investing $32.7 billion across 40 transactions in the year - a record level, according to the data.

Geographically, the report notes that the United States tops the list for SWF-managed assets at $13.2 trillion, followed by China at $8.2 trillion, and the United Arab Emirates at $2.9 trillion.

The US also remained the leading destination for sovereign investments in 2025, attracting around $131.8 billion, up from $68.9 billion the previous year. Meanwhile, SWF investments in China fell to $4.3 billion from $10.3 billion in 2024, according to the report.

EcoPulse24 Analysis
These figures underscore the accelerating strategic shift of SWFs toward technology and the digital economy as 2026 approaches, leveraging liquidity surpluses and strong returns across asset classes. The Middle East - particularly Abu Dhabi and Riyadh - stands out as a key player in redirecting global sovereign capital, while the US maintains its dominance as an investment destination despite shifting investment geographies.