Dubai: Dubai Chambers, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Indian Business and Professional Council, organised a special family business forum aimed at exploring ways to support the sustainability of family enterprises.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session focused on strengthening governance capabilities and encouraging the adoption of international best practices among the Indian family business community in Dubai. Held in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, the forum highlighted the significance of Federal Decree Law No. (37) of 2022 on Family Businesses. This law is pivotal in enhancing the flexibility of legal frameworks regulating family businesses, fostering a supportive environment for growth and adaptation to economic changes.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the crucial role family businesses play in driving the national economy's growth and sustainability. He highlighted the importance of the Family Business Law, which represents a proactive step by the UAE to ensure the continuity and growth of these companies across generations. He also announced the launch of the Unified Family Business Registry, a federal platform offering services like company registration and family charter deposits to promote sustainable business practices.
He urged family businesses in the UAE to register in the Unified Family Business Registry to take advantage of the UAE's business-friendly environment, which supports over 2,000 economic activities. Family businesses are significant contributors to the UAE's economy, accounting for 60% of its GDP, employing 80% of the workforce, and comprising about 90% of private companies.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah highlighted Dubai's commitment to supporting family businesses in transitioning to advanced institutional models. This commitment is aimed at enabling them to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities across various sectors. Lootah reiterated the importance of governance best practices to ensure business continuity and enhance contributions to the national economy.
The forum was attended by 87 participants from the Indian family business community and members of the Indian Business and Professional Council. Discussions centered around regulating family business governance and leadership succession, as well as the adoption of innovative strategies to boost operational performance and competitiveness.
In 2025, the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses launched three advisory services to support family businesses in Dubai. These services include the Current Situation Assessment and Family Charter Review, Family Charter Drafting, and Family Office Planning. The centre also released a directory of family business advisers to facilitate access to specialised advisory services and connect businesses with trusted advisers.