Abu Dhabi:Forbes Middle East successfully wrapped up the first edition of its Family Business Summit in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event took place at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, under the theme 'Where Generations Build Tomorrow'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit gathered over 60 speakers and approximately 3,500 participants to discuss topics such as family business continuity, wealth management, and leadership succession across generations. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Acting Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE's progress in establishing a diversified framework to support family businesses, which enhances their contribution to the national economy.
The UAE's economic strategy focuses on diversification and sustainable growth, in line with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which aims to double the nation's GDP to AED3 trillion by the next decade. Al Kait emphasized that family businesses in the UAE have a strong foundation built on trust and expertise across sectors like the new economy, hospitality, retail, real estate, and construction. He urged family businesses to register with the Ministry's official registry to access services designed to ensure their sustainability.
The summit also featured a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Forbes Middle East and the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, aiming to strengthen the family business ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and support its international presence through joint media initiatives. The MoU was signed in the presence of Khaled Alfahim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, and Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East.
Discussions during the summit covered governance, leadership succession, family capital management, artificial intelligence, international expansion, IPOs, and investment in water security and climate resilience. The second day focused on investment opportunities in the longevity economy, advanced manufacturing, technology, and climate, alongside asset diversification and the role of the next generation in business growth.
The event also honored 21 companies from Forbes Middle East's Top Arab Family Businesses 2026 list, recognizing their contributions to economic growth and business continuity. The summit was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, presented by First Abu Dhabi Bank, with strategic partners including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Other partners included EFG Hermes, ADGM Academy, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Hub71, The Emirates Family Office Association, European Business Council, and Pearl Initiative.