Dubai, UAE

Saint Joseph University Dubai, in collaboration with Lexis Nexis and Habib Al Mulla & Partners, organized a panel discussion titled “Empowering Family Businesses in the UAE: Legal Framework and Strategic Challenges” at the Waldorf Astoria, DIFC, Dubai. The event brought together over 70 participants, including business leaders, legal practitioners, policymakers, and academics, to address the critical challenges faced by family businesses in the UAE.

The event started with an opening speech by Dr. Rita Waked, the Vice-Dean of the School of Law at Saint Joseph University Dubai who highlighted the pivotal role of family businesses in the UAE’s economy and underscored the importance of fostering dialogue to address their unique legal and strategic challenges.

Moderated by Dr. Myrna Saad, Director of the LLM in Business Law at Saint Joseph University Dubai, the discussion featured insights from an esteemed panel of speakers: Mr. Adib Rashid, Director, Dubai Center for Family Businesses, Mr. Ismael Hajjar, Partner, PWC Middle East, Mrs. Amira Fayad, Associate Director – Legal and Company Secretary, Seddiqi Holding and Mrs. Alia Al Mulla, Head of Restructuring and Shareholder Disputes, Habib Al Mulla & Partners.

The speakers emphasized the importance of adapting to changing legal frameworks, fostering robust corporate governance structures, and leveraging family constitutions and shareholder agreements to navigate complex challenges.

Attendees praised the event for its practical insights and networking opportunities, with one participant noting, “The discussions were insightful, engaging, and full of valuable takeaways for anyone involved in family businesses.”

Saint Joseph University Dubai extends its gratitude to Lexis Nexis and Habib Al Mulla & Partners for their support, as well as to the panelists for their thought-provoking contributions.