Family Business Council — Gulf (FBCG), the regional association of Family Business Network International (FBNi), recently concluded its Annual Summit 2017 under the theme “Secrets to Family Business Continuity: Committed to Evolve Over Generations” held in Dubai.
The fourth edition of the summit brought together leading GCC family businesses experts and academicians to share experiences and effective approaches to address family business challenges.
Abdulaziz Al-Ghurair, chairman of FBCG, said: “We believe that each family business has its own secrets to success, but we also believe that families can inspire each another on ways to regenerate their own formula to success.”
He added: “By tailoring the summit agenda around real-world case studies and success stories, we aimed to provide families with practical insights that they can learn from and incorporate in order to better address the challenges of growth, business model evolution and generational transition.”
Prominent regional and international speakers took the stage at the summit presenting case studies and taking part in panel discussions. Two GCC family groups, Al-Mulla Group from Kuwait and SEDCO Holding Group from Saudi Arabia, shared their learnings and discussed how to professionalize and introduce corporate discipline in the family business. They focused on how to build effective boards to fit long-term generational time horizons.
The summit also witnessed the launch of a GCC case study on family business social impact. Community Jameel shared their approach in developing community projects tied to their business and centered on job creation. Hassan Jameel, deputy president and vice chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, took part in a relevant panel session along sustainability experts to discuss effective ways of giving in the context of the family business.
International family speakers also took part in the summit. These include Hans-Jacob Bonnier of Bonnier Group, a sixth-generation family firm which is ranked among Scandinavia’s leading media conglomerates; and Meral Zaim Inci, from the leading Turkish Inci conglomerate. Both families belong to FBN exclusive community; and took part in the GCC summit to present their family governance development journey.
Every year, the FBCG summit attracts leading GCC family businesses in a private closed-door gathering. FBCG’s events are exclusive to family-business members and the format of the sessions is designed to encourage open and effective discussions among the participating members.
GCC family businesses discuss long-term continuity and growth at FBCG Annual Summit
GCC family businesses discuss long-term continuity and growth at FBCG Annual Summit
31st Dubai Shopping Festival kicks-off with star-studded concerts, unique experiences
The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, launched with an unforgettable opening weekend, with dazzling live performances, shows and events.
Running until Jan. 11, the DSF extravaganza is transforming Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.
Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend saw high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, which set the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.
e& DSF Nights
Adding style and glamor to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi dazzled audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show wowed fans on Dec. 6, at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue showcased stunning fireworks complementing an evening of cultural vibrancy and celebration.
As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event featured interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hatta mountain experiences
DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.
Candlelight Concerts by Fever
Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for 70 dirhams ($28). Kids eight years and below are welcome to join the children’s concert taking place on Dec. 13 for free.
Dinner in the Sky
This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 meters above ground, experience a stunning dinner for 300 dirhams.
Breathtaking shows
Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerizing technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with color and creativity, symbolizing Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronized drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.
Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via Platinumlist.net. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.
