10 Best Mutual Funds in UAE to Invest, 2024

Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified mix of assets like stocks, bonds, and other securities. Managed by professional fund managers, mutual funds offer diversification, experienced management, and liquidity. Investors share in the fund’s performance—gains and losses—based on the value of its assets. We have made a comprehensive guide on mutual funds in UAE, their types, and how to select the best one for your investment needs.

In recent years, mutual funds have surged in popularity in the UAE. They have emerged as one of the top investment choices for those looking to diversify their portfolios and secure their financial futures. These investment instruments are particularly well-suited for you if you want to balance risk and enjoy the benefits of a professionally managed fund.  With a variety of mutual funds in UAE to meet different investment goals and risk tolerances, you, as an investor, are spoilt for choice!  We will highlight options registered in European countries such as Luxembourg, Ireland, Germany, France, and the UK.

Top 10 Mutual Funds in UAE for 2024
Shelton NASDAQ-100 Index Direct (NASDX)	Fidelity Global Dividend Fund
Voya Russell Large Cap Growth Index Fund (IRLNX)	Fundsmith Equity Funds
Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index (FNCMX)	Fidelity Emerging Market Funds
Voya Russell Large Cap Index Port I (ILRX)	Schroder Mid Cap US Fund
Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)	Invesco Perpetual Asian

Best Performing Mutual Funds in UAE

Available in major currencies like US dollars, euros, and sterling, the top mutual funds offer a spectrum of opportunities if you want to invest in the region's vibrant market.

Here is a list of the best mutual funds in UAE —

1. Shelton NASDAQ-100 Index Direct (NASDX)

The Shelton NASDAQ-100 Index Direct (NASDX) is a mutual fund that is designed to replicate the performance of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This is one of the best mutual funds in UAE if you want exposure to major technology and non-financial companies without picking individual stocks. It provides a convenient way to invest in a broad section of the tech-heavy NASDAQ-100 index. 

Features of Shelton Nasdaq-100 Index Direct Mutual Fund in UAE

• Your portfolio is designed from approximately 100 equities that are part of the NASDAQ-100 index and works on imitating the index’s performance.
• To keep up with the performance, the portfolio maintains the same sector weightage as the index. 
• It replicates the performance of the top non-financial companies in the NASDAQ exchange.
• You gain access to a high-performing index fund at an affordable price. 
• Most investments made here are in tech giants. 

2. Voya Russell Large Cap Growth Index Fund (IRLNX)

The Voya Russell Large Cap Growth Index Fund (IRLNX) is set to match the performance of the Russell Top 200 Growth Index. Primarily investing in large-cap U.S. equities with high growth potential, this fund is designed for those looking to capitalise on large-cap growth stocks. 

Features of Voya Russell Large Cap Growth Index Mutual Fund in UAE

• Investments are in stocks of large-cap companies and focus on long-term growth potential. 
• The fund aims to identify companies that have experienced cash flow growth, return on investment, sustainable competitive benefits, and the potential to manage profitable growth. 
• At least 80% of the net assets in equity funds are included in the index at the time of investment. 

The fund has experienced varied performance, with a notable year-to-date return of 9.04% and a five-year average return of 19.72%. In 2023, it achieved its best one-year total return of 45.99%. However, it also faced challenges in 2022, evident in its – 30.03% return.

3. Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index (FNCMX)

The Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index Fund (FNCMX) tracks the NASDAQ Composite Index. This is among the best mutual funds in UAE if you want to invest in tech and non-financial sectors.

Features of Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index Mutual Fund in UAE

• At least 80% of the investment is in common assets included in the index. It can be operated as a non-diversified fund. 
• It aims to provide ROI that is similar to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ Composite Index. 
• The fund manager creates the portfolio after considering several factors into account — capitalisation, dividend yield, price-to-book ratio, growth of earnings, industry exposure, price-to-earnings ratio, and more. 

It has shown a year-to-date return of 6.35% and a five-year average return of 17.24%. The fund experienced significant growth in 2023 with a best annual return of 45.13% — this happened despite a challenging 2022, where it faced a -32.39% return.  On the whole, this performance reflects the tech market's volatility and growth potential.

4. Voya Russell Large Cap Index Port I (ILRX)

The Voya Russell Large Cap Index Portfolio Class I (IRLX) mirrors the performance of the Russell Top 200 Index, focusing on large-cap U.S. equities. It aims to offer investment results that correspond closely with the total return of the index.

Features of Voya Russell Large Cap Index Port I Mutual Fund in UAE

• At least 80% of the investments are in equity securities of the companies listed on the index at the time of investment, convertible securities that can be converted into stocks that are part of the index, and other derivatives whose return is similar to the returns of the investment or its components. 
• The portfolio under this mutual fund in UAE has a reasonable cost advantage over competitors and can be bought at an affordable rate. 

As of the end of February 2024, the fund has seen a significant one-year change, indicating a positive performance within the said time frame.

5. Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)

The Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) tracks the S&P 500 and focuses on large-cap U.S. equities. Recently, it reported a 6.53% year-to-date return and a five-year average return of 14.63%. 

Features of Fidelity 500 Index Mutual Fund in UAE

• Provides results that correspond to the total return as per the performance of the common stocks traded publicly. 
• At least 80% of the investment is invested in common equities that are part of the S&P 500 index. 
• This is a large-blend portfolio that has investments across a variety of industries as per their exposure. 

In 2023, the fund notably achieved a 26.29% return, recovering from a challenging 2022 where it saw an -18.13% return. 

6. Fidelity Global Dividend Fund

One of the best mutual funds in the UAE, Fidelity Global Dividend Fund uses a bottom-up approach to find and target the best dividend-paying companies around the globe. 

The focus of this fund is on harnessing the income and long-term capital growth potential. 

Features of Fidelity Global Dividend Fund Mutual Fund in UAE

• The major investment is made in equity funds.
• The investment is focused on companies that outperform even difficult market scenarios. 
• At least 70 to 75% of funds get invested in equities of global companies including the ones in emerging markets. 
• At least 50% of the fund investment is in securities with positive ESG (environmental, social, and governance) characteristics. 
• The funds are relatively low volatile. 
• You get the flexibility to invest in a wide range of assets for a better risk-return profile. 

7. Fundsmith Equity Funds

Next on the list of best mutual funds in the UAE is Fundsmith Equity Funds. Here, your funds are invested in global equities. The approach of this mutual fund is to make you a long-term investor in its selected stocks. 

The investment manager for this mutual fund needs to adhere to stringent investment criteria to create your portfolio. 

Features of Fundsmith Equity Funds Mutual Fund in UAE

• High-performing businesses that can sustain high ROI
• Businesses that don’t require high-end leverages to generate returns
• Businesses that have growth potential upon reinvesting their cash flows at high rate of return
• Businesses that are resilient to change especially technological innovation
• Bunsinesses with promising valuation as per the fund 

Note that this mutual fund does not invest in derivatives and is not confined to any exposure arising from within operations of a business the money is invested in.

8. Fidelity Emerging Market Funds

In this mutual fund in UAE, the money is invested in the emerging markets of Latin America, Eastern Europe, South East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This mutual fund aims to achieve capital appreciation over time. 

The money is usually invested in companies with strong market positioning and competitive advantage. The fund also prefers companies that offer superior returns on their assets and have capitalised balance sheets. 

Features of Fidelity Emerging Market Funds Mutual Fund in UAE

• The fund manager invests 70 to 75% of the funds in equities of companies that are experiencing rapid economic growth in emerging markets. 
• At least 50% of the funds are invested in asset securities that meet ESG characteristics. 
• The fund manager seeks to create a balanced risk portfolio. The manager considers the company’s financial condition and industry position to make investments. 

9. Schroder Mid Cap US Fund

Usually, the managers of actively-managed funds find it difficult to beat the US market, especially because the S&P 500 is driven by tech giants like Facebook and Amazon. 

This fund, among the top mutual funds in UAE, avoids such behemoths and finds value in medium-sized organisations that get mispriced by the stock market or look ready for a turnaround.

Features of Schroder Mid Cap US Fund Mutual Fund in UAE

• The fund manager uses a bottom-up and research-based approach for investment. 
• They identify the companies with convincing business models, solid management teams, and high valuation levels. 
• The aim is to achieve capital growth. 
• About 80% of the investment is in equity and equity-related securities of medium-sized US companies. 

10. Invesco Perpetual Asian

The Invesco Perpetual Asian Fund aims for long-term growth by investing in Asian and Australasian companies, excluding Japan. It primarily targets the technology and financial services sectors, with significant investments in top companies like Taiwan Semiconductor and Samsung Electronics.

Features of Invesco Perpetual Asian Mutual Fund in UAE

• At least 80% of the investment is in stocks and other equity-based securities of the companies that have been founded, domiciled or majorly operating in Asia or Australasia. 
• The fund manager also invests some portion in transferable securities, money-market instruments, deposits, collective investment schemes, and cash.
• The aim of the fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. 

Types of Mutual funds

There are four main categories of mutual funds in UAE, each with different risk levels and return potential. The main types include —

Types of Mutual funds	Description
Money Market Funds	These funds invest in short-term, low-risk securities such as government bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs). They are ideal for conservative investors looking for low-risk, stable returns, though their yields are typically lower compared to other types of funds.
Bond Funds	Bond funds invest in various types of bonds (government, municipal, corporate) and aim to generate income through interest payments. While they carry more risk than money market funds, bond funds often offer higher returns. The risk and returns vary depending on the type of bond the fund holds.
Stock Funds	Stock mutual funds invest in equities (corporate stocks). There are different types of stock funds, including — Growth Funds: Invest in companies expected to grow rapidly, with a focus on capital appreciation rather than dividend payouts. Income Funds: Focus on stocks that pay regular dividends, providing income alongside the potential for capital gains. Index Funds: Track a specific market index (e.g., S&P 500) and typically offer lower fees than actively managed funds. Sector Funds: Focus on specific industries, such as technology, healthcare, or energy.
Target-Date Funds	These funds are designed for investors targeting a specific retirement date. They hold a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. As the target date approaches, the allocation gradually shifts towards more conservative investments. These funds are a good option for those looking for a hands-off investment approach.

How to Select the Best Mutual Fund in the UAE?

Choosing the best mutual fund in UAE for your portfolio depends on several key factors. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision —

1. Determine Your Investment Strategy: Active vs. Passive Funds

The first choice you’ll need to make is whether to invest in an actively managed fund or a passively managed fund.

• Active Funds: These UAE mutual funds usually come with higher fees due to research and active trading strategies. However,consistently outperforming the market is difficult, and many active funds fail to do so over the long term.
• Passive Funds: These funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index (e.g., S&P 500). Passive funds tend to have lower fees and can be a good option for long-term investors seeking stable returns.

2. Understand Your Budget and Investment Amount

Before selecting a mutual fund, decide how much you are comfortable investing. Many best performing mutual funds in UAE have minimum investment requirements. Once you meet the initial investment, you can usually add any amount thereafter.

Senior investors can opt for conservative options like bonds or money market funds. Younger investors, on the other hand, may lean more toward riskier, higher-return options like growth or equity funds.

3. Select the Platform for Your Investment

UAE Mutual funds can be purchased through various channels, including brokerage accounts, employer-sponsored retirement plans, or directly from fund providers. 

At Policybazaar.ae, we provide you with a variety of options to compare. Our user-friendly platform helps you research and manage your investments.

4. Understand the Fees Involved

Every mutual fund charges fees, known as expense ratios, which cover the cost of managing the fund. Understanding these fees is crucial, as they can significantly affect your long-term returns.

5. Regularly Review and Manage Your Portfolio

Once you’ve chosen and invested in mutual funds in UAE, it’s important to manage your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your investment goals. Regularly rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and avoid chasing past performance. For instance, if one of your funds performs exceptionally well and grows in value, you may want to sell some shares and reinvest in other areas to maintain balance.

Use of SIP Calculator in Mutual Funds

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) calculator is a tool that helps investors estimate the potential returns of their mutual fund investments over time. By entering details such as the monthly investment amount, expected rate of return, and investment duration, the SIP calculator provides an estimate of the total amount invested and the potential corpus at the end of the term.

Use our SIP calculator to calculate your estimated returns or how much to invest in mutual funds in Dubai.

Final Say

This article provided you with a list of the top 10 mutual funds to consider for investment in 2024. Nevertheless, it's crucial to conduct your own research and consult an investment advisor before making any investment decisions. Remember, the performance of mutual funds can vary based on market conditions — it's important to invest according to your risk tolerance and knowledge level. Always make informed choices when it comes to your investments.

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