05 May 2025
GCC Family Businesses Gather in Abu Dhabi to Unlock Innovation and Investment Opportunities Across Generations
A delegation of the Family Business Council Gulf (FBCG), representing some of the oldest and largest family businesses and family offices in the GCC, recently convened in Abu Dhabi for a strategic visit themed "Abu Dhabi: Unlocking Innovation and Investment Opportunities Across Generations".
The event brought together prominent GCC family business leaders and key Abu Dhabi stakeholders to explore emerging trends and opportunities.
The event was hosted by H.E. Ahmed Jasim Alzaabi, Chairman of ADGM, Sheikha Hind Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of the Family Business Council Gulf (FBCG), Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman of FBCG, H.E. Hussain Al Nowais, FBCG’s Day Chair Mohammed Al Nowais, in addition to a group of FBCG Board members including Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Omar Alfardan and Tarek Sultan.
As part of the programme, participants took part in a roundtable discussion addressing three key themes:
1. "Falcon Economy": Exploring innovative approaches to drive economic growth and diversification, particularly in real estate and beyond.
2. "Abu Dhabi as an Energy and Technology Hub": Examining the emirate's potential as a leading hub for energy and emerging technologies in AI, robotics and manufacturing
3. "Building a Global Inc in a Changing World": Sharing insights on navigating global markets and building resilient businesses amid global uncertainties
Commenting on this event H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM said: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly establishing itself as an attractive destination for global wealth and a driver for next-generation entities. Family businesses are a cornerstone of this transformation. Through our progressive regulations and innovative ecosystem, we are enabling these businesses to scale globally, embrace disruption, and sustain their legacies for generations to come. This gathering reflects the powerful role that structured and sustainable family businesses can play in shaping a more prosperous and resilient region.”.
Sheikha Hind Bahwan stated “Abu Dhabi’s vision aligns with the ambitions of our region’s family enterprises—to build globally competitive, future-ready businesses while honouring the legacy of past generations. This visit reflects our shared commitment to unlocking long-term value through patient capital, agile decision-making, and a clear focus on the next generation—those for whom we build—by thinking in generations, not quarters”.
The event shed light on Abu Dhabi's rise as the new capital of private capital with the city attracting a significant size of global family wealth and investments. Notably, the UAE $22.7 billion in FDI in 2022, showcases its appeal to global investors.
With over $1 trillion in family wealth subject to transition between generations in the Middle East by 2030, it is essential to ensure the protection and growth of this wealth.
Abu Dhabi is well positioned to support this shift through forward-looking regulation, long-term economic vision, and a commitment to nurturing family enterprises that continue their forefathers’ legacies.
The participants underscored the vital role of public-private synergy and collaboration, in shaping the GCC region’s future economies and unlocking new opportunities.
With Abu Dhabi's GDP growth forecasted at 4.5% by 2025, the emirate is set to play a pivotal role in the region evolving economic landscape.
This gathering reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's position as a dynamic hub for energy, technology, and private capital, driving innovation and sustainable prosperity.
About Family Business Council Gulf
Established in 2013, FBCG is a non-profit membership organization, headquartered in the UAE and the regional chapter of FBN International, the world’s leading network for business families spanning 65 countries with 4,500 business families and 20,000 individual members. FBCG’s core mission is to facilitate the continuity and prosperity of GCC family businesses across generations through peer networking and exchange, education of the next generation, applied research, and advocacy.
For media enquiries, please contact info@fbc-gulf.org
About ADGM
ADGM is the international financial centre (“IFC”) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world.
Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi. ADGM is ranked as one of the most preferred and top-ranking IFCs in the Middle East and Africa region. Its progressive and inclusive business ecosystem fosters growth, resilience, and optimism for global financial and non-financial institutions. Growing synergies between ADGM and multiple jurisdictions have positioned the centre as one of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and progressively governed financial hubs.
For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket
For media queries, please contact: E: media@adgm.com
The event was hosted by H.E. Ahmed Jasim Alzaabi, Chairman of ADGM, Sheikha Hind Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of the Family Business Council Gulf (FBCG), Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman of FBCG, H.E. Hussain Al Nowais, FBCG’s Day Chair Mohammed Al Nowais, in addition to a group of FBCG Board members including Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Omar Alfardan and Tarek Sultan.
As part of the programme, participants took part in a roundtable discussion addressing three key themes:
1. "Falcon Economy": Exploring innovative approaches to drive economic growth and diversification, particularly in real estate and beyond.
2. "Abu Dhabi as an Energy and Technology Hub": Examining the emirate's potential as a leading hub for energy and emerging technologies in AI, robotics and manufacturing
3. "Building a Global Inc in a Changing World": Sharing insights on navigating global markets and building resilient businesses amid global uncertainties
Commenting on this event H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM said: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly establishing itself as an attractive destination for global wealth and a driver for next-generation entities. Family businesses are a cornerstone of this transformation. Through our progressive regulations and innovative ecosystem, we are enabling these businesses to scale globally, embrace disruption, and sustain their legacies for generations to come. This gathering reflects the powerful role that structured and sustainable family businesses can play in shaping a more prosperous and resilient region.”.
Sheikha Hind Bahwan stated “Abu Dhabi’s vision aligns with the ambitions of our region’s family enterprises—to build globally competitive, future-ready businesses while honouring the legacy of past generations. This visit reflects our shared commitment to unlocking long-term value through patient capital, agile decision-making, and a clear focus on the next generation—those for whom we build—by thinking in generations, not quarters”.
The event shed light on Abu Dhabi's rise as the new capital of private capital with the city attracting a significant size of global family wealth and investments. Notably, the UAE $22.7 billion in FDI in 2022, showcases its appeal to global investors.
With over $1 trillion in family wealth subject to transition between generations in the Middle East by 2030, it is essential to ensure the protection and growth of this wealth.
Abu Dhabi is well positioned to support this shift through forward-looking regulation, long-term economic vision, and a commitment to nurturing family enterprises that continue their forefathers’ legacies.
The participants underscored the vital role of public-private synergy and collaboration, in shaping the GCC region’s future economies and unlocking new opportunities.
With Abu Dhabi's GDP growth forecasted at 4.5% by 2025, the emirate is set to play a pivotal role in the region evolving economic landscape.
This gathering reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's position as a dynamic hub for energy, technology, and private capital, driving innovation and sustainable prosperity.
About Family Business Council Gulf
Established in 2013, FBCG is a non-profit membership organization, headquartered in the UAE and the regional chapter of FBN International, the world’s leading network for business families spanning 65 countries with 4,500 business families and 20,000 individual members. FBCG’s core mission is to facilitate the continuity and prosperity of GCC family businesses across generations through peer networking and exchange, education of the next generation, applied research, and advocacy.
For media enquiries, please contact info@fbc-gulf.org
About ADGM
ADGM is the international financial centre (“IFC”) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world.
Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi. ADGM is ranked as one of the most preferred and top-ranking IFCs in the Middle East and Africa region. Its progressive and inclusive business ecosystem fosters growth, resilience, and optimism for global financial and non-financial institutions. Growing synergies between ADGM and multiple jurisdictions have positioned the centre as one of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and progressively governed financial hubs.
For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket
For media queries, please contact: E: media@adgm.com