A new cooperation agreement aims to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen management, governance and decision-making within Abu Dhabi’s family-owned enterprises. The partnership was signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 and formalised by senior representatives from both sides. Moreover, the initiative seeks to position local enterprises for long-term sustainability while encouraging them to embrace advanced tools that enhance operational efficiency.
Building Capabilities for the Next Generation
The collaboration will introduce specialised workshops and training programmes that equip emerging family-business leaders with the knowledge needed to apply AI in practical and strategic contexts. In addition, both parties will evaluate the feasibility of developing an integrated AI system designed specifically for the family-business sector. They will also explore opportunities for joint applied research and the creation of advanced models that support succession planning and capital management.
Reflecting on the agreement, Khaled Al Fahim said, “This collaboration represents a significant step toward enabling family businesses to benefit from the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and strengthening their readiness for the economy of the future. The agreement aligns with the Council’s vision to support the sustainability of family enterprises and enhance their institutional capabilities.”
Supporting National AI Ambitions
The partnership also aligns with the UAE’s broader push toward AI integration across priority sectors. Furthermore, it reinforces efforts to build an innovation-driven ecosystem that enables family enterprises to thrive across generations. Professor Timothy Baldwin added, “This collaboration reflects MBZUAI’s role in supporting priority sectors across the nation through artificial intelligence. As the UAE advances its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and Abu Dhabi moves toward becoming the world’s first fully AI-native government across all digital services through the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, it is essential that organisations, including family businesses, which remain an important pillar of the economy, have access to the tools and expertise needed to harness AI in ways that deliver broad and meaningful societal benefit.”
