Family businesses urged to rethink investment, philanthropy at Dubai summit

Family-owned businesses are being encouraged to take a more active role in shaping sustainable investment and social impact, as leaders met in Dubai to discuss how family wealth can be positioned for the future.

The discussion took place at a roundtable hosted by the World Governments Summit 2026 and Dubai Chambers, bringing together government officials and more than 40 senior figures from local and international family businesses.

Chairing the session, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori said family businesses are undergoing a fundamental shift, moving beyond a traditional focus on preserving wealth to playing a broader role in economic development, sustainable investment and community support.

He said investment decisions are increasingly being judged not only on financial returns, but also on social and environmental impact, pointing to the growing importance of impact-driven philanthropy. Mr Al Mansoori added that family offices need more agile governance structures and greater involvement from younger generations to adapt to rapid technological and economic change.

Two main themes dominated the discussion: the role of philanthropy in strengthening social impact, and the need for governance and diversification to support long-term growth. Participants highlighted the importance of clear frameworks to measure the effectiveness of charitable initiatives and ensure they deliver lasting benefits.

The roundtable also examined emerging investment trends among family businesses, including greater diversification across sectors and asset classes, and increased use of partnerships to manage risk. Data from PwC shows family businesses contributed nearly AED492bn to Dubai’s economy in 2024, underlining their significance to the emirate’s growth agenda.

Organisers said the discussions reflected Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global hub for family businesses, while encouraging investment strategies that balance financial performance with long-term social value.