Dubai Centre for Family Businesses

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers to advance the interests of Dubai’s family businesses ecosystem. The centre works closely with key public and private sector stakeholders to support the sustainable success of family businesses, leveraging strategic partnerships to shape innovative solutions that drive the sector’s growth. 

Overview and Objectives

DCFB works closely with key public and private sector stakeholders to build a thriving ecosystem for family businesses, ensure a conducive regulatory environment, and leverage strategic partnerships to create innovative solutions to drive the sector’s growth.
The centre caters to all family businesses based in Dubai, regardless of their size, sector, or the nationality of their owners. The strategy and activities of the centre are led by the board of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Family Business Advisory Committee. 

Promote a Sustainable Family Business Ecosystem

Ensure the long-term continuity and success of family businesses of all sizes operating across diverse industries.

Facilitate Generational Transition and Upskilling

Provide knowledge-transfer, education, and networking platforms to prepare the next generation of family business owners.

Drive Policy Influence and Research

Serve as a reference point for research and advocacy, influencing policies and highlighting the economic and social contributions of family businesses.

Develop Strategic Partnerships

Form partnerships to leverage resources, increase impact, and promote the adoption of best practices in governance among family businesses.

Economic Contribution

Family businesses are an essential component of the business community and among the key contributors to the national economy.

90%

Up to 90% of private companies in the UAE are family businesses.

70%

Family businesses employ more than 70% of the private sector's workforce.

40%

Family businesses contribute around 40% to the UAE's national GDP.

Backbone of the Economy

Family businesses have been crucial to the UAE's economic stability and growth.

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Training & Education Programmes

Dubai Family Business Management Programme

Developed in affiliation with a globally renowned educational institution, the Dubai Family Business Management Programme targets the second tier of succession in the leadership of Dubai-based family businesses who are committed to successfully achieving continuity across generations. The programme's primary objective is to equip the next generation of owners with the specialised knowledge and unique leadership skills necessary to lead a family business effectively.

Application Criteria 

Applicants should:

  • Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience and be actively engaged in a family business.
  • Be at least 30 years of age.
  • Have a strategic future vision they wish to achieve.
  • Be decision-makers who play a key role in setting the strategic direction of their businesses.
  • Be leaders of successful teams.

Programme Duration

 

Five months.
Next cycle dates to be announced soon.

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Next-Gen Family Businesses Training Programme

Next-gen leaders must win the trust of their elders and earn the right to operate at the top level. In order to succeed, it is imperative they have the knowledge, skills, and mindset to become the leaders of tomorrow. Developed in partnership with PwC Middle East, the Next-Gen Family Businesses Training Programme is a strategic upskilling initiative designed to ensure the sustainable growth of your business and empower the next generation of leaders. The programme is 75% sponsored by the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses.Next-gen leaders will be equipped with the human, technical, and digital skills required to create sustained value for the family business. The programme focuses on practical leadership skills and empowers the next-gen to lead their businesses successfully in the new world.

Outcomes

 

By the end of this programme, your next-gen leaders will:

 
  • Learn to harmonise the relationship between the three pillars of Family, Business, and Ownership
  • Strengthen the role of the board and address the growth agenda
  • Apply a proper system of governance, rational policies for employment and make a commitment to fairness
  • Gain experience beyond the family and learn how to apply global best practices contextualised for the region and the business
  • Invest in their personal and professional growth and prepare to take your business to the next level

Programme Modules

 

  • Fundamentals of Governance in Family Businesses
  • Becoming and Effective Board Member 
  • Entrepreneurship and Strategic Decision Making
  • Effective Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution

Programme Fees & Terms

 

  • Fee per participant: AED 3,500 (excluding VAT)
  • Sponsorship: 75% remaining fee is sponsored by Dubai Centre for Family Businesses
  • Audience: this training programme is targeted exclusively to next-generation members of family businesses. 

Programme Duration

 

Five-day Programme:
Next training coming soon!

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Training & Education Programmes

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses has partnered with leading global institutions to deliver world-class training programmes designed to equip the next generation of family business leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

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The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool
DCFB has created an innovative platform to aid you in assessing the maturity of crucial governance aspects within your family business. The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool includes assessment questions and valuable insights carefully designed to help you evaluate your current governance status and formulate actionable steps for improvement. These questions have been developed in accordance with expert insights, regulatory trends, and leading practices in the realm of family business governance.
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Training & Education Programmes

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses has partnered with leading global institutions to deliver world-class training programmes designed to equip the next generation of family business leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA)

The Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) is designed for those who work with multi-generational families who own an operating business.The programme consists of four required courses, which are offered quarterly and include online self-paced lessons, readings, videos, assignments, and quizzes.AED 12,850 (excluding VAT)

Enroll in CFBA
Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA)

The Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA) is designed for those who work with multi-generational families whose activities centre on a portfolio of investments, a family office, philanthropic initiatives, etc. The programme consists of four required courses, which are offered quarterly and include online self-paced lessons, readings, videos, assignments, and quizzes.AED 12,850 (excluding VAT)

Enroll in CFWA

Accredited Certifications

DCFB has partnered with the Family Firm Institute (FFI), the most trusted and globally recognised provider of family enterprise professional education, to create an opportunity for unparalleled interaction with internationally renowned faculty, thought leaders, and a global network of specialists.
Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA)

The Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) is designed for those who work with multi-generational families who own an operating business.The programme consists of four required courses, which are offered quarterly and include online self-paced lessons, readings, videos, assignments, and quizzes.AED 12,850 (excluding VAT)

Enroll in CFBA
Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA)

The Certificate in Family Wealth Advising (CFWA) is designed for those who work with multi-generational families whose activities centre on a portfolio of investments, a family office, philanthropic initiatives, etc. The programme consists of four required courses, which are offered quarterly and include online self-paced lessons, readings, videos, assignments, and quizzes.AED 12,850 (excluding VAT)

Enroll in CFWA

Maximise Your Learning

Enrolment in both certificates is available at a discounted rate of AED 18,850. This special package comes with additional benefits, including:

  • The option to be paired with a mentor for each certificate
  • Two years of FFI membership
  • Registration to attend two FFI global conferences
  • Other exclusive perksAED 18,850 (excluding VAT)

Looking for more Information about Certifications?

Contact us for detailed information about our certification processes and requirements.
Governance Series – Uses of Waqf, Foundations, and Trusts in Family Businesses

1-Jul-24

09:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The Governance Series continues to foster valuable networking and educational opportunities dedicated to family businesses, with a strong emphasis on the pivotal aspect of governance. During this exclusive event that features speakers from AWQAF Dubai and Clyde & Co., we will cover the legal background and procedural considerations for Waqf, Foundations, and Trusts; in addition to exploring their uses for family business structuring.
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The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool

DCFB has created an innovative platform to aid you in assessing the maturity of crucial governance aspects within your family business. The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool includes assessment questions and valuable insights carefully designed to help you evaluate your current governance status and formulate actionable steps for improvement. These questions have been developed in accordance with expert insights, regulatory trends, and leading practices in the realm of family business governance.

table professor illustration
The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool
DCFB has created an innovative platform to aid you in assessing the maturity of crucial governance aspects within your family business. The Family Business Governance Assessment Tool includes assessment questions and valuable insights carefully designed to help you evaluate your current governance status and formulate actionable steps for improvement. These questions have been developed in accordance with expert insights, regulatory trends, and leading practices in the realm of family business governance.
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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses E-library

Access useful resources to learn more about family businesses.

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News

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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses hosts interactive workshop to enhance succession planning strategies

‘Governance Series’ session attracted 40 representatives of family business

23 September 2024

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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses publishes new Family Office Toolkit

New publication highlights the benefits and services provided by Family Offices together with Dubai’s competitive advantages for family businesses

28 August 2024

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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses launches Sample Family Constitution toolkit

New guide will support the sustainable success of family businesses

17 July 2024

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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses discusses ‘Uses of Waqf, Foundations, and Trusts in Family Businesses’

Seminar hosted as part of ‘Governance Series’ in collaboration with Awqaf Dubai

2 July 2024

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Dubai Centre for Family Businesses E-library launched with almost 2,000 resources

New online portal provides convenient access to an extensive collection of information and resources covering key aspects of running a family business.

11 June 2024

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