Forbes Middle East · 23 Oct, 10:30 · Business briefing

Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit To Launch In Abu Dhabi On October 28–29

Forbes Middle East is hosting its inaugural Family Business Summit in Abu Dhabi on 28–29 October.

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The briefing

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in brief.

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Forbes Middle East is hosting its inaugural Family Business Summit in Abu Dhabi on 28–29 October. The event aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing family-owned enterprises in the region. It will bring together key stakeholders to discuss governance, succession planning, and digital transformation. This summit highlights the growing importance of structured management within the Middle East’s dominant economic sector. Professionals should note this as a significant industry gathering focused on sustaining legacy businesses through modern corporate practices. The programme emphasises strategic dialogue on preserving wealth while adapting to contemporary market demands and regulatory environments across the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
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This summit signals a critical shift towards professionalising family enterprises in the Middle East. As these businesses formalise governance, roles requiring structured oversight become more valuable. You should focus on mastering succession planning and corporate governance frameworks. Professionals with expertise in compliance and strategic leadership will find increased demand. Consider upskilling in governance protocols to advise or lead within these evolving structures. Engage with the summit’s themes to understand the specific regulatory and cultural nuances of the region. A smart move is to network with attendees who are modernising traditional business models. By positioning yourself as an expert in structured management, you become indispensable to firms transitioning from informal to formal operational standards. Prioritise learning that bridges traditional values with modern corporate efficiency.

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