Building a legacy: A practical guide for Dubai’s family businesses

Dubai continues to position itself as a global model for sustainable economic development and at the heart of this vision lies the enduring strength of family-owned enterprises. In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Emirate’s commitment to safeguarding generational wealth, Hourani – in close collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism – has partnered with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, an initiative of Dubai Chambers, to launch the new Dubai Family Business Guidebook.

Family Businesses in the Emirate of Dubai: A Guidebook for Future Generations is a landmark publication that delivers a practical roadmap for family enterprises seeking to modernize governance, structure succession, and unlock long-term growth.

Key highlights include:

• Structuring options for family businesses, including corporate, wealth, and real estate assets
• Governance frameworks, succession planning, and family office establishment
• UAE corporate tax regulations and considerations
• Dispute resolution mechanisms for family businesses
• Various complimentary Dubai Government initiatives to create an innovative and sustainable environment for family businesses
• Philanthropic and charitable social initiatives
• The role of digitalisation, philanthropy, and social responsibility in sustaining family businesses

Why it matters

Family businesses contribute over 90% of private-sector economic activity in the UAE. As Dubai builds its future on resilience, innovation, and inclusive prosperity, equipping these businesses with modern frameworks is key to sustaining their legacy across generations.

Commenting on this collaboration, Chadi Hourani, Hourani’s Managing Partner:

“Family businesses are not just part of Dubai’s economic fabric – they are its foundation. Through this collaboration with DET and the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, this guidebook was created with one goal in mind: to support families as they future proof their businesses today and for generations to come.”

Sahia Ahmad, DET’s CEO – Regulatory Policy and Governance added:

“In line with the D33 agenda and through our collaboration with Hourani, we are committed to equipping family businesses with the knowledge and frameworks they need to grow sustainably and preserve generational wealth. This guidebook offers more than policy guidance — it empowers families to lead with vision, govern with structure, and transition with resilience.”

Special shout out to Chadi Hourani, Sunita Singh-Dalal, Zain Satardien, Ella Moldoveanu and Ellen Ray, for their significant contribution to the guidebook.