In a significant move to bolster the UAE’s private sector, the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC), an affiliate of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has signed an agreement with the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF). The partnership is designed to strengthen the family entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting high-potential founders and accelerating the growth of SMEs operating within family-owned business structures.
The agreement was signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 by H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, and Khalifa Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Growth Fund.
A Strategic Push for Generational Ventures
Under the new partnership, the two entities will collaborate to expand access to growth capital, support entry into regional and global markets, and provide crucial advisory services for family-owned companies transitioning into their growth stage. The memorandum of understanding also outlines joint knowledge initiatives, capability-building programs, and co-hosted events aimed at fostering long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The Backbone of the UAE Economy
Highlighting the critical role of these enterprises, H.E. Khaled Al Fahim noted their immense contribution to the national economy. “Empowering entrepreneurs emerging from family business ecosystems is integral to Abu Dhabi’s long-term development vision. Family enterprises drive 60% of the UAE’s GDP, employ 80% of the workforce, and represent nearly 90% of private-sector activity, making their continued growth a national priority,” he stated.
Al Fahim added, “At a time when 60% of family businesses are preparing to launch new ventures in the next five years, this partnership provides access to tailored investment and value-creation support that enables these enterprises to grow with confidence and scale sustainably.”
Bridging the Growth Capital Gap
The Emirates Growth Fund is positioned to fill a specific niche in the funding landscape, targeting UAE-based growth-stage SMEs that have moved beyond the startup phase but are still too early for typical private equity investment.
Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of the Emirates Growth Fund, commented on the strategic alignment. “This agreement represents a strategic step in supporting family-owned enterprises as they transition into scalable, competitive businesses. By partnering with ADFBC, we aim to identify high-potential ventures early, invest growth staged equity, and enable founders to build resilient companies that contribute to the UAE’s economic transformation.”
About Abu Dhabi Family Business Council
Established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC) develops policies and initiatives that support the sustainability of family enterprises in the emirate. Its mandate includes strengthening governance, enabling smooth generational transitions, and preparing family enterprises to compete in emerging sectors.
About Emirates Growth Fund
Launched during the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum, the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) is the UAE’s flagship growth capital platform. It provides long-term growth capital and strategic partnerships to high-potential companies in national priority sectors, including manufacturing, food security, healthcare, and advanced technology. EGF focuses on bridging the gap between venture capital and private equity for scaling SMEs.
Source: Zawya
