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
Alfanar Engineering Services names Amer Al Ajmi CEO
Alfanar Engineering Services, a division of Alfanar Projects, has appointed Eng. Amer Al Ajmi as chief executive officer, signaling a new phase of growth and innovation for the company.
The appointment underscores Alfanar’s commitment to strengthening its role as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Al Ajmi brings more than 25 years of experience in engineering, energy and international business. His vision focuses on engineering excellence, digital transformation and sustainability. Under his leadership, the company aims to expand its contribution to the Kingdom’s industrial and infrastructure development while supporting a more sustainable energy future.
Alfanar Engineering Services provides integrated technical solutions to the Kingdom’s energy, infrastructure, private and government sectors. Its core business lines include motor and generator repair and rewinding, power services, testing and calibration, and technical and engineering training.
The company maintains a strong presence through regional offices across major Saudi cities, supported by a 24/7 engineering team that ensures uninterrupted operations and service availability nationwide.
At the center of its operations is Alfanar Technical Services, one of the largest specialized facilities in the region for repair, rewinding and maintenance of electrical equipment, including transformers, generators and motors. The company serves energy, oil, petrochemical and mining industries, as well as critical infrastructure such as hotels, hospitals and public utilities.
Alfanar operates three advanced facilities in Jubail and Riyadh, covering more than 200,000 square meters, with an expansion underway in Yanbu to meet growing demand driven by the Kingdom’s industrial transformation.
“Leading Alfanar Engineering Services is both an honor and a responsibility,” Al Ajmi said. “Our focus is on building a sustainable and technologically advanced future where our people, innovation and expertise deliver long-term impact across every sector we serve.”
