30/10/2026 03:33 AST
The first day of the inaugural Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit highlighted the role of family enterprises in driving economic growth and strengthening private-sector competitiveness.
It also underlined Abu Dhabi's advantages as a global destination for family capital and long-term investment, an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report said.
Sessions also explored stronger governance and leadership succession planning, the use of artificial intelligence and data in business and investment management, and the growing role of women in family enterprise leadership.
Institutional family offices
Participants examined approaches to building institutional family offices, managing investment portfolios and diversifying businesses, alongside strategic options involving acquisitions, partnerships and international expansion.
Discussions also addressed initial public offerings, exits and attracting strategic investors, as well as investment opportunities in water security and climate resilience and the role of innovative solutions in generating financial returns and sustainable social impact.
The Successors Forum, running across both days of the summit, highlighted the readiness of the next generation to assume leadership and ownership responsibilities in family enterprises, alongside the challenges of managing family relationships, protecting reputation and navigating technological transformation.
Held over two days under the theme "Where Generations Build Tomorrow," the summit features more than 60 speakers and is expected to attract around 3,000 participants.
Awards ceremony
The featured an awards ceremony honouring companies recognised on Forbes Middle East's Top Arab Family Businesses 2026 list, in recognition of their economic contributions and role in strengthening business continuity and intergenerational succession.
Futoon Hamdan Al Masrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, said: "The Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit represents a strategic platform that convenes business owners and decision-makers to exchange insights and perspectives on the future of family enterprises, recognising their vital role in driving economic growth and strengthening the region's competitiveness.
"Our participation in this summit reflects FAB's commitment to empowering family businesses and supporting their evolving ambitions. We believe that the enduring success of family businesses depends on a long-term strategic vision that balances the preservation of family heritage with the pursuit of innovation and the ability to navigate a dynamic and evolving economy.
Pivotal role
She added: "With this vision, FAB continues to play a pivotal role as a trusted financial partner, enabling families and entrepreneurs to capitalise on emerging opportunities and create a sustainable legacy that will have a lasting impact on generations to come."
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said: "At Forbes Middle East, we believe our role goes beyond highlighting success stories to bringing together the people behind them and creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. We launched the Family Business Summit as a platform where the experience of established generations meets the perspectives of emerging leaders, enabling discussions on the transformations shaping the future of family enterprises and their role in the economy.
"We chose Abu Dhabi to host the inaugural edition for its attractive economic and investment environment and the influential presence of family businesses. We look forward to establishing the summit as an annual gathering of leading business families, policymakers and investors, fostering new partnerships and strengthening the continuity of family enterprises across generations."
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