Forbes Middle East wraps up the inaugural “Family Business Summit” in Abu Dhabi. Photo attached to the press release
A Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance the Sector’s Framework in Abu Dhabi
Press Release
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The inaugural “Family Business Summit” hosted by Forbes Middle East has concluded in Abu Dhabi, held at the Park Hyatt Hotel on Saadiyat Island over two days under the theme “Where Generations Build the Future”. The event saw robust participation with over 60 speakers and around 3,500 attendees, engaging in extensive discussions surrounding the sustainability of family businesses, wealth management, and generational leadership transitions.
In his address during the summit, His Excellency Jumaa Mohammed Al Kait, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the significant progress the UAE has made in establishing an advanced legislative and regulatory framework to support family businesses and enhance their contribution to the national economy. He underscored their pivotal role in diversifying the economy and ensuring its sustainable growth, aligning with the objectives of the “We are the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to double the country’s GDP to reach 3 trillion dirhams over the coming decade.
He remarked, “Family businesses in the UAE enjoy a solid economic legacy based on trust and accumulated commercial expertise, operating across vital and diverse sectors such as the new economy, hospitality, retail, real estate, and construction. The ministry is keen on supporting these businesses in transitioning towards more sophisticated corporate models and enhancing governance and management practices to ensure their continuity across generations while enabling them to adapt to global changes and seize new opportunities.”
Encouragement for Participation
His Excellency urged the family businesses participating in the event to register in the Ministry’s unified family business registry to take advantage of the benefits and services it offers, including company registration, issuance of registration certificates, and deposit of family charters. These services, combined with the flexibility and competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment and openness to global markets, provide extensive growth and expansion opportunities across more than 2,000 economic activities, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of family businesses and broadening their regional and international presence.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed
The summit also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Forbes Middle East and the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, aimed at strengthening the family business ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and supporting its international presence through joint media initiatives and activities. The memorandum was signed in the presence of His Excellency Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, and Khaloud Al Amian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East.
Focus on Key Issues
Over the two days, the summit sessions discussed critical issues such as governance, leadership succession, family capital management, artificial intelligence, international expansion, public offerings, and investments in water security and climate resilience. The second day specifically focused on investment opportunities in the longevity economy, advanced manufacturing, technology, climate, asset diversification, and the role of the next generation in business development and preserving the family legacy.
Acknowledging Prominent Family Businesses
The summit culminated in the recognition of 21 companies listed in the “Forbes Middle East’s Strongest Arab Family Businesses” of 2026, honouring their economic contributions and role in ensuring business continuity and leadership transition.
The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with key partner First Abu Dhabi Bank, and strategic partners including the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), alongside other partners such as EFG Hermes, the Abu Dhabi Academy, the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, Hub71, the UAE Family Businesses Association, the UAE European Business Council, and the Pearl Initiative.
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