Dubai has unveiled a practical, wide-ranging family business guidebook designed to help family-owned enterprises protect wealth, plan succession, and sustain operations across generations. The publication — titled "Family Businesses in the Emirate of Dubai: A Guidebook" — was developed jointly by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses under Dubai Chambers.
Launch Event and Context
The guidebook was introduced at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Series event, themed "Building a Lasting Legacy: The Future of Family Businesses in Dubai." The event featured panel discussions on preserving family legacies, implementing the UAE Family Business Law, streamlining registration procedures for family enterprises, and driving innovation adoption.
Family businesses occupy a foundational role in Dubai's economy, and the guidebook formalises the support structures available to them as the emirate pursues its ambitious long-term growth targets.
What the Guidebook Covers
The publication delivers comprehensive guidance across eight core areas critical to family business continuity:
- Corporate governance and administrative frameworks - Family offices and wealth planning - Leadership succession and generational transition - Conflict resolution mechanisms - Real estate ownership and tax recommendations - Digital transformation strategies - Government support initiatives - The philanthropic role of family enterprises
Alignment with Dubai Economic Agenda D33
Sahia Ahmad, who leads Regulatory Policy and Governance at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, highlighted that family businesses are essential to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 — the emirate's roadmap to double its economic output by 2033.
According to Ahmad, the stability, job creation, and long-term investment characteristics of family businesses make them indispensable partners in realising D33's targets. The guidebook represents Dubai Chambers' formal commitment to equipping these enterprises with the governance tools and strategic insights they need to remain competitive across generations.
About Dubai Centre for Family Businesses
Established in May 2023 under Dubai Chambers, the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses is dedicated to strengthening the development and market position of family-owned enterprises across the sector. The guidebook is one of several practical resources the Centre has produced to support governance, continuity planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
The digital version of the guidebook is available free of charge at:
fblibrary.dubaichamber.com
