On the surface, a luxury German carmaker, an English football team, a New York landmark and a troubled British bank may seem to have little in common. But in the Gulf, each one has come to represent the increasing ambitions of Abu Dhabi.

Daimler, Manchester City, the Chrysler Building, and Barclays are among a growing list of global assets that have been the target of a multibillion shopping spree by various state entities acting on behalf of the oil-rich emirate. Some $15bn has been invested overseas by the emirate’s funds in the past six months.