Forbes Middle East’s inaugural Family Business Summit in Abu Dhabi brought together around 3,500 participants and more than 60 speakers to discuss the future of intergenerational investment and family business continuity.
Held over two days at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island, the summit covered governance, leadership succession, wealth management, artificial intelligence, international expansion and initial public offerings. Discussions also examined investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, climate and the longevity economy.
The event included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Forbes Middle East and the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council. According to the announcement, the agreement will support Abu Dhabi’s family business ecosystem and international presence through joint media initiatives and activities.
Juma Mohammed Al Kait, acting undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said the country had developed a framework to support family businesses and their contribution to the national economy. He also encouraged family-owned companies to register with the ministry’s official registry to access services including family charter development and governance frameworks.
The summit also recognised 21 companies included in Forbes Middle East’s Top Arab Family Businesses 2026 list. It was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and presented by First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Source: Zawya
