New Delhi, 16 October 2026: Mubadala Investment Company is taking a long-term view of rising geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation as it plans its global investments. Waleed Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi-based investment company, said these changes are becoming a lasting part of the global business environment and will shape investment decisions over the next five, 10 or 15 years.
Al Muhairi made the remarks during the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on 13 October. He joined Uday Kotak, founder and director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Surendra Rosha, HSBC’s Co-CEO for Asia and the Middle East, for a panel titled “The World, Repriced”. Bloomberg’s Stephanie Flanders moderated the discussion.
The panel explored how investors are reassessing risks such as trade relationships, supply chains and technology competition changes. Mubadala’s message was clear: geopolitical fragmentation is not simply a short-term disruption. It is a factor that investors must consider when making long-term capital allocation decisions.
Why Geopolitical Fragmentation Matters
Geopolitical fragmentation occurs when political tensions, trade barriers and competing national interests make cross-border business more complex. These changes can affect access to markets, supply chains, technology and investment opportunities.
For businesses, this means looking beyond potential returns. Companies also need to understand their exposure to suppliers, commercial partners and markets that may be affected by global changes.
Al Muhairi said Mubadala’s strategy is not about choosing one political or economic bloc over another. Instead, the company aims to identify opportunities across different regions based on their strengths and potential for long-term, risk-adjusted returns.
India Gains Importance in Global Investment Plans
India was an important part of the discussion. Al Muhairi highlighted its large market, population, technology adoption and infrastructure development as factors supporting its long-term investment appeal.
Mubadala’s reported portfolio exposure remains spread across regions. North America accounts for around 44% of its portfolio, while Asia-Pacific represents about 13%. These figures show the different roles that established markets and developing investment corridors play in its global strategy.
The focus on India reflects the importance of assessing each market on its own merits rather than relying on a single global investment approach.
What Businesses Should Do Now
The same lessons apply to companies that plan to expand, invest or work with international partners. Businesses should review their supply chains, assess the reliability of suppliers and test how changes in costs or market conditions could affect their finances.
Due diligence services can help companies review potential business partners and investment opportunities. Business budgeting and forecasting can help owners estimate costs, assess financial risks and plan for different market conditions.
Reliable bookkeeping services also help businesses maintain accurate records of income, expenses and cash flow. Companies considering expansion into the UAE may need business setup consultancy to understand the requirements for establishing their operations.
Ignoring these areas can make it harder to identify financial weaknesses, manage rising costs or respond to unexpected disruption. Regular reviews help businesses base decisions on their actual financial position rather than assumptions about future growth.
Preparing for Long-Term Uncertainty
Mubadala’s position highlights a wider challenge for investors and businesses: global markets remain connected, but political and economic changes can make cross-border decisions more complex.
Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) supports businesses with due diligence services, budgeting and forecasting, bookkeeping services and business setup consultancy. These services can help companies review their finances, organise records and plan for expansion.
For businesses operating in an uncertain global environment, the priority is to understand potential risks, maintain reliable financial information and make investment decisions based on clear evidence. Long-term planning cannot remove uncertainty, but it can help companies prepare for change.
