With the intensification of global trade tensions triggered by Donald Trump’s trade policies, investors are increasingly seeking safer markets. In response, investment firm Ninety One has significantly increased its exposure to UAE stocks, considering the country an ideal investment destination to hedge against the repercussions of the US-China trade war.

Varun Laijawalla, co-head of emerging market equities at Ninety One, stated that his team, which manages $11 billion in assets, views the UAE as a “non-tariff-exposed market.” He explained that since Trump’s re-election in November, the company has been steadily increasing its investments in Emirati stocks.

Speaking in an interview from London last week, Laijawallapraised the UAE’s economic policies, noting that unlike the US, the Gulf nation is actively signing trade agreements and maintaining open borders. As part of its investment strategy, Ninety One has acquired shares in major UAE-listed companies, including Emaar Properties and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB).

The firm’s investment portfolio is not limited to real estate and banking. It has also taken a stake in Talabat Holdings, a leading food delivery company. Notably, Talabat’s $2 billion IPO in late 2024 was the largest in the Middle East and the biggest tech listing worldwide that year.

Ninety One’s emerging markets fund, co-managed by Laijawalla and Archie Hart, delivered a 13% return last year, outperforming 95% of its competitors. This strong performance highlights the firm’s strategic ability to identify stable and high-growth markets, steering clear of volatility caused by US trade policies.

As global trade tensions persist, emerging markets like the UAE continue to attract investors seeking sustainable growth and a safe haven from economic uncertainty.