Prime Highlights
- Dubai Chambers and the World Governments Summit 2026 hosted a high-level roundtable on adapting family business investments for social and community impact.
- Discussions highlighted the growing role of philanthropy and the importance of agile governance and next-generation involvement in global family businesses.
Key Facts
- Family businesses contributed AED 491.8 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2024 and are increasingly active in global venture capital, with UAE family offices closing $3 billion in H1 2025.
- Over 40 senior leaders from local and international family businesses participated, focusing on sustainable growth, governance, and impact-driven philanthropy.
Background
Dubai Chambers, in partnership with the World Governments Summit 2026, held a high-level roundtable on Tuesday to discuss the future of investment and philanthropy in global family businesses. The session focused on how family investment portfolios can adapt to change while increasing long-term social and community impact.
The roundtable was chaired by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and brought together government officials and more than 40 senior leaders from local and international family businesses. Discussions centred on evolving investment strategies, governance models, and the growing role of philanthropy.
Al Mansoori said that family businesses drive social and economic growth and continue to lead global investments. He added that these firms are going beyond preserving wealth; they are shaping sustainable development, creating cross-border partnerships, and tackling global challenges.
He stressed the need for agile governance structures and faster decision-making as technology becomes more integrated into investment strategies. Al Mansoori also said it is important to involve the next generation because they understand digital tools and future priorities.
In the first session, participants focused on philanthropy and how family businesses contribute to society. They talked about impact-driven philanthropy, where success depends not just on money but also on social and environmental results. They emphasized the need for clear policies, strong governance, and better tools to measure long-term impact.
The second session examined how governance and diversification drive sustainable growth. According to PwC, family businesses added AED 491.8 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2024, showing their key role in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Participants also pointed out that Middle East family businesses are playing a bigger role in global venture capital, with UAE family offices closing deals worth around $3 billion in the first half of 2025.
