The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, part of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, organized a series of Ramadan visits aimed at senior economic figures and business leaders managing prominent family-owned enterprises in the emirate and the country. These visits were designed to strengthen community ties during the holy month and establish Ramadan gatherings as a platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of experiences between the family sector and the government.
The visits included gatherings at the councils of Sultan bin Rashid Al Dhaheri, Mohammed Thani Murshid Al Remeithi, former president of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Youssef Mohammed Al Noais. Attendees included His Excellency Ahmed Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and other notable leaders and entrepreneurs from various generations.
During the meetings, participants discussed strategies for enhancing the sustainability of family businesses, fostering a supportive business environment, and addressing the challenges and opportunities related to their intergenerational growth. The dialogue also highlighted the significance of institutional experience sharing, governance enhancement, and creating a conducive environment for growth and expansion to align with national economic aspirations.
Khaled Abdelkarim Al Faheem, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, emphasized that Ramadan gatherings are crucial for experience exchange and supporting the continuity of family enterprises through generations. He added that the council is committed to empowering the sector through programs and initiatives that promote governance, sustainability, and local and global expansion.
Ali Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, noted that these meetings reflect the deep connections within the business community and the importance of family businesses as a cornerstone of the national economy. He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to leveraging the expertise of entrepreneurs to support the sustainability and advancement of their companies in alignment with the emirate’s vision for a more diverse and competitive economy.
Family businesses account for approximately 60% of the country’s GDP, provide over 80% of job opportunities, and make up around 90% of all private enterprises. In Abu Dhabi, they play a critical role in key sectors such as construction (50%), financial services (60%), trade (80%), and transportation (70%), reflecting their significance in driving economic development and enhancing the emirate’s status as a global business and investment hub.