The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, operating under Dubai Chambers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD to strengthen support for family-owned enterprises and ensure their sustainable long-term growth.
This strategic collaboration will integrate tailored frameworks and advisory services to help preserve family wealth, values, and governance across generations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub.
Strategic Focus on Governance and Succession Planning
Under the MoU, the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses will work closely with Emirates NBD’s Private Banking division to deliver structured support in key areas including:
- Family business governance
- Succession planning
- Family charter development
- Family office structuring
These services will be made available to Emirates NBD’s family business clients, ensuring a smooth intergenerational transition and a resilient organisational structure.
Capacity Building and Leadership Development
The partnership also includes a joint commitment to leadership development programmes focused on governance, business continuity, and succession planning. These programmes will be delivered through the Centre and will be promoted to Emirates NBD’s client network.
Furthermore, the Centre will conduct customised workshops on best practices in family governance, wealth management, and legacy planning, with active participation from Emirates NBD subject-matter experts.
Executive Insights
Khalid AlJarwan, Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, emphasised the broader impact:
“Family businesses are key drivers of economic development, and their continued success is crucial to sustainable growth. Our partnership with Emirates NBD aligns with our mission to equip family enterprises with the tools they need to enhance competitiveness, resilience, and multigenerational continuity.”
He added,
“By promoting governance maturity, succession readiness, and skills development, we help future-proof Dubai’s family businesses in an evolving global economy.”
Mohammad Al Bastaki, Group Head of Private Banking at Emirates NBD, commented:
“Emirates NBD is proud to partner with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses to strengthen Dubai’s family business ecosystem. This sector plays a pivotal role in GDP contribution, and our collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to economic prosperity in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda.”
He also noted that while regulatory reforms in the UAE have improved the succession outlook,
“Only 20% of family businesses in the Middle East are managed by a third generation, highlighting the need for proactive planning and advisory.”
