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® Emerging Markets Fund (FEMKX). “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.
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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.”
For specific fund information, including full holdings, please click on the fund trading symbol above. Securities mentioned were fund investments as of July 31.
John Dance is a portfolio manager in the Equity division at Fidelity Investments.
In this role, Mr. Dance co-manages the Fidelity Emerging Markets Fund.
Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Dance served as portfolio manager of the Fidelity Pacific Basin Fund from 2013 to 2019, the Fidelity and Fidelity Emerging Asia Funds from 2017 to 2019, and was co-sector leader of the combined Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples team. During this time, he was responsible for covering the international retail industry and for managing the consumer discretionary sub-portfolio of Fidelity International Equity Central Fund. Previously, Mr. Dance was a research analyst at Fidelity International Limited (FIL), where he covered the shipping and airlines industries within the Asia Ex-Japan region.
Before joining Fidelity in 2006, Mr. Dance worked as an analyst at Deutsche Asset Management in Sydney, Australia. He has been in the financial industry since 2004.
Mr. Dance earned his bachelor of commerce degree, with first class honors, in finance from The University of Sydney and his diploma of financial markets from the Securities Institute of Australia.