Global market turmoil and a western backlash over sovereign wealth funds have pushed Dubai International Capital – the $13bn fund controlled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the country’s ruler – into focusing on emerging markets.

Sameer al-Ansari, the head of the fund that has been involved in a high-profile struggle to buy Liverpool Football Club, said the closer focus on emerging markets “has been forced” on his group.