Hussain al Nowais explains that family businesses in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are not only pillars of the regional economy, but also key architects of its future. Recognizing this, a high-level delegation from the Family Business Council Gulf (FBCG) convened in Abu Dhabi for a landmark strategic event titled “Abu Dhabi: Unlocking Innovation and Investment Opportunities Across Generations.” As Day Chair of the gathering, Hussain al Nowais played an instrumental role in steering discussions that bridged tradition with transformation, charting new courses for multigenerational business prosperity.
A Gathering of Visionary Leadership
The event drew some of the most prominent and enduring family businesses and family offices across the Gulf, underscoring the collaborative commitment to regional economic advancement. Hosted under the patronage of H.E. Ahmed Jasim Alzaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the gathering also featured Sheikha Hind Suhail Bahwan, Chairperson of FBCG; Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman of FBCG; and FBCG board members including Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Omar Alfardan, and Tarek Sultan.
Mohammed Al Nowais also took part in the proceedings, contributing valuable insights into family business transitions and investment strategies aligned with long-term vision and sustainable growth. Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that these strategic forums are essential not only for exchanging ideas, but also for fostering an ecosystem where legacy, innovation, and opportunity intersect.
Key Themes: Innovation, Energy, and Global Expansion
The visit’s agenda revolved around three vital themes designed to stimulate critical thinking about the future of family enterprises:
- The Falcon Economy
According to Hussain al Nowais, the concept of the “Falcon Economy” encapsulates the bold spirit of economic diversification and national growth that characterizes Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambitions. This session examined how family businesses can drive innovation in sectors like real estate, hospitality, logistics, and more, transitioning from traditional models into future-ready entities. Al Nowais explains that family firms are well-positioned to take on this role due to their nimbleness, long-term investment mindset, and deep-rooted community ties. - Abu Dhabi as an Energy and Technology Hub
Another focal point was Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a magnet for energy and technology investment. Hussain al Nowais notes the emirate’s growing stature as a leader in sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. He underscores that Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure, regulatory sophistication, and visionary leadership provide fertile ground for families to explore next-gen ventures that align with global trends in sustainability and digital transformation. - Building a Global Inc. in a Changing World
In a session on global expansion, the delegation discussed strategies for navigating international markets amid growing complexity. Hussain al Nowais elaborates that family enterprises must cultivate resilience, embrace digitization, and develop governance models that enable agility without compromising on values. He also highlights the importance of upskilling the next generation to equip them for a competitive global economy.
Strategic Alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Vision
The convergence of family businesses in Abu Dhabi underscored the emirate’s strategic alignment with long-term, patient capital and innovation-led development. As Hussain al Nowais explains, Abu Dhabi has made remarkable progress in building an environment conducive to family wealth and sustainable investment.
According to H.E. Ahmed Jasim Alzaabi, the city is fast becoming a global destination for private capital, offering robust regulatory frameworks and a thriving ecosystem for startups and mature companies alike. Hussain al Nowais echoes this sentiment, stating that Abu Dhabi represents an ideal platform for family businesses to scale, evolve, and contribute to the broader knowledge economy.
Sheikha Hind Suhail Bahwan’s comments at the event also resonated strongly with Al Nowais’s philosophy. She emphasized the importance of patient capital, cross-generational vision, and governance that respects the legacy of founding generations while empowering future leaders. Hussain Al Nowais believes that this dual focus—on heritage and horizon—is what sets successful family businesses apart.
The Imperative of Intergenerational Wealth Transition
With over $1 trillion in family wealth expected to transition in the Middle East by 2030, Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes the urgent need for structured planning and strategic foresight. Succession planning, governance frameworks, and investment diversification are no longer optional—they are essential for legacy preservation.
Hussain al Nowais highlights that Abu Dhabi’s progressive policy environment is uniquely suited to guide families through this generational shift. The emirate’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial stability makes it an optimal base for safeguarding and growing family wealth across time.
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
Another key takeaway from the event, as Hussain Al Nowais outlines, was the indispensable role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region’s economic trajectory. The exchange of ideas between government entities and business leaders paves the way for solutions that are both ambitious and practical.
This synergy is especially relevant as Abu Dhabi’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 4.5% by 2025, reflecting sustained economic momentum. Al Nowais stresses that family businesses must be proactive participants in this momentum—not just benefactors, but co-builders of a diversified and resilient economy.
Reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s Position as a Regional Beacon
The FBCG delegation’s visit reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional beacon for energy, technology, and private capital. Hussain al Nowais remarks that the emirate has successfully positioned itself not just as a hub for investment, but as a thought leader in long-term economic development. By convening family businesses to explore innovation and collaboration, Abu Dhabi is enabling these institutions to renew their purpose and sharpen their strategies for decades to come.
As Hussain al Nowais concludes, the true power of this gathering lies in its message: that tradition and transformation are not opposites, but allies. By uniting past legacies with future ambitions, family businesses can continue to be the bedrock of the GCC economy—resilient, innovative, and ready for what’s next.
