Abu Dhabi:Forbes Middle East has announced the inaugural Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit, which is set to launch in Abu Dhabi on October 28-29. The summit will be held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and is presented by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). It will focus on the theme "Where Generations Build Tomorrow" and aims to explore the future of family capital, governance, succession, and long-term enterprise leadership.
According to Wam, the summit will bring together influential family enterprises, family office executives, investors, policymakers, governance experts, and next-generation leaders. More than 60 speakers, including senior officials and family business leaders, will participate. Notable speakers include Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Acting Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development; Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; and Khaled Alfahim, Board Member of Abu Dhabi Chamber.
The summit is expected to attract approximately 3,000 participants over two days. It will examine key forces reshaping family businesses in the global economy, such as governance, succession planning, business transformation, international expansion, and sustainability. Additionally, the summit will feature an awards ceremony honoring companies on Forbes Middle East's 2026 list of leading Arab family businesses.
Juma Mohammed Al Kait highlighted the importance of family businesses in strengthening the UAE's national economy and noted the development of a legislative framework to enhance their governance. Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, emphasized the need for transformation in family businesses, while Futoon Hamdan Al Mazrouei from FAB discussed the bank's role in supporting these enterprises.
The Successors Forum at the summit will explore priorities for the next generation of family business leadership, addressing topics such as succession, governance, family wealth, and innovation.
