United Arab Emirates: A rising star in global markets
United Arab Emirates is a dynamic economy at the crossroads of global trade, finance and energy, according to Fidelity’s John Dance.
- United Arab Emirates offers a variety of potential investment opportunities as the nation continues to diversify, adapt and emerge, says Fidelity Portfolio Manager John Dance, who is particularly drawn to the evolution of the country’s energy sector, the rise of financial and tourism hubs, and newly vibrant capital markets.
- “Financial markets in UAE – the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market – are buzzing with activity,” says Dance, who manages Fidelity Advisor® Emerging Markets Fund. “Numerous recent waves of successful initial public offerings have drawn strong investor interest, both locally and internationally, signaling a maturing market that is ready to compete on the global stage.”
- In helming the diversified emerging-markets strategy since 2019, Dance’s approach is anchored by the philosophy that market inefficiency is driven by investor psychology, market microstructure and asymmetric information, which could lead to mispricing and create opportunities for active management. He seeks companies with strong, stable growth characteristics.
- Nestled at the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman, UAE comprises seven emirates, each contributing to the nation’s economic tapestry, explains Dance. Abu Dhabi – the largest emirate and nation’s capital – serves as the country’s financial and political anchor. “Alongside Dubai, it is attracting global attention thanks to robust infrastructure efforts, strategic initiatives and forward-thinking policies,” Dance notes.
- Seeking to capitalize, Dance maintains outsized stakes in ADNOC Drilling and ADNOC Gas. Both are subsidiaries of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, a state-owned enterprise that ranks as the 12th-largest oil producer globally.
- ADNOC Gas is an integrated gas company that has played a pivotal role in meeting approximately 60% of UAE’s natural gas needs while serving customers in about 20 countries, according to Dance.
- “As the logistics of liquefied natural gas production and transportation grow increasingly complex due to geopolitical tensions, especially sanctions on Russia, ADNOC Gas has stepped up to fill supply gaps amid a world hungry for reliable energy solutions,” says Dance.
- Still, UAE’s ambition extends far beyond energy markets, with Dance pointing to the country’s major investments in high-class tourism and international finance as it looks to diversify its economy and lessen its reliance on commodity-based revenue.
- He notes that these initiatives go beyond attracting visitors or investment – they aim to build a sustainable future, which in turn drives increased demand for housing and infrastructure.
- Accordingly, Dance has favored Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, an institution he believes is poised to expand its loan book in support of the country’s growth.
- “Investing in UAE is about understanding the intricate interplay of tradition, innovation and global dynamics,” concludes Dance. “As the nation continues to diversify, adapt and attract young talent from abroad, it stands as a testament to the power of vision and resilience.”
Securities mentioned were fund investments as of July 31.
Fidelity Advisor Emerging Markets Fund (FECMX)
Seeks capital appreciation.
Related insights
View all


For specific fund information such as standard performance and holdings, please go to the "Funds Managed" link on this page.
Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. Nothing in this content should be considered to be legal or tax advice, and you are encouraged to consult your own lawyer, accountant, or other advisor before making any financial decision. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as a recommendation of any security, sector, or investment strategy.
Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice and the information provided herein is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult with an attorney or a tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
Past performance and dividend rates are historical and do not guarantee future results.
Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.
Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.
Sector funds can be more volatile because of their narrow concentration in a specific industry. Growth stocks can perform differently from other types of stocks and the market as a whole and can be more volatile than other types of stocks. Value stocks can perform differently than other types of stocks and can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time. • Stock markets, especially foreign markets, are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. • Foreign securities are subject to interest rate, currency exchange rate, economic, and political risks, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. • In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation, credit, and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. • Lower-quality bonds can be more volatile and have greater risk of default than higher-quality bonds. • Floating-rate loans may not be fully collateralized and therefore may decline significantly in value. • The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, or political changes, and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. • The securities of smaller, less well-known companies can be more volatile than those of larger companies. • The funds can invest in securities that may have a leveraging effect (such as derivatives and forward-settling securities) that may increase market exposure, magnify investment risks, and cause losses to be realized more quickly. • Leverage can magnify the impact of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments on a company. In the event of bankruptcy, a company’s creditors take precedence over the company’s stockholders. Although the companies that the fund invests in may be highly leveraged, the fund itself does not use leverage as an investment strategy. Changes in real estate values or economic downturns can have a significant negative effect on issuers in the real estate industry. In the event of bankruptcy, a company’s creditors take precedence over the company’s stockholders. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners; all other marks are the property of FMR LLC.