Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit Debuts in Abu Dhabi October 28

Forbes Middle East will launch its inaugural Family Business Summit in Abu Dhabi on October 28–29, expecting around 3,000 participants and more than 60 speakers at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island.

The event runs under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as Presenting Partner. Its theme: "Where Generations Build Tomorrow."

The summit brings family enterprises, family office executives, investors, policymakers, governance experts and next-generation leaders onto one platform to examine family capital, governance, succession and long-term enterprise leadership.

Who is speaking?

Confirmed speakers include:

• H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Acting Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy and Tourism
• H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX)
• H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
• H.E. Khaled Alfahim, Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC), and Board Member, Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre

Over two days, sessions will cover the forces reshaping family businesses: governance, succession planning, intelligent business transformation, international expansion, sustainability and the evolving role of family enterprises as strategic capital allocators.

The summit closes with an awards ceremony honoring companies on Forbes Middle East's 2026 list of leading Arab family businesses.

What did officials say about the legal framework?

H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait delivered the most substantive policy detail. He said: "Family businesses are a fundamental pillar in strengthening, diversifying, and sustaining the growth of the UAE's national economy."

He pointed to a concrete legislative record. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, working with government entities, the private sector and family businesses, developed a framework "embodied in Federal Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022 concerning Family Businesses," designed to ensure continuity and successful generational transition.

Since then, the Ministry has issued four ministerial resolutions covering a unified registry for family businesses, the regulation of family business charters, mechanisms for companies to purchase their own shares, and the issuance of multiple classes of shares. Al Kait said these steps cement the UAE's position as "a premier destination for family businesses at regional and global levels," and described the summit as a chance to engage the sector and understand its needs amid current transformations.

That's four resolutions, one decree-law and a national registry — a regulatory build-out aimed squarely at keeping wealth and management inside family hands across generations.

Why Abu Dhabi, and why now?

Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, framed the timing. "Family businesses are entering a period of transformation that requires stronger governance, greater preparation of the next generation, and more agile approaches to managing both businesses and capital," she said. "Abu Dhabi provides an ideal environment to lead this dialogue."

Futoon Hamdan Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group at FAB, added: "Family businesses have long been central to the UAE's economic success, combining entrepreneurial ambition with a commitment to creating lasting value across generations." She said FAB's role goes beyond traditional banking, connecting families with "the expertise, capital and opportunities they need to grow their businesses, preserve their legacy, and empower future generations."

What's on the agenda for the next generation?

A dedicated Successors Forum will explore the priorities shaping next-generation family business leadership — from succession, governance, family wealth and reputation to AI, innovation and growth. Discussions will also tackle family dynamics, responsible ownership, leadership transition and the strategies needed to build institutions that create value across generations.

The partner roster signals how broadly Abu Dhabi has mobilized behind the event. Strategic Partners are the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council and ADGM; EFG Hermes is Event Partner; ADGM Academy is Knowledge Partner. Supporting Partners include the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Hub71, the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA), the European-Emirati Business Council and the Pearl Initiative.

Registration is open through the official Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit 2026 website. With 3,000 attendees, a new awards list and a regulatory framework already in force, the summit positions Abu Dhabi as the operating base for the region's next generational wealth transfer.