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Welcome to the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses’ exclusive directory of Dubai-based family business advisors. This curated list features highly qualified professionals with extensive expertise in guiding family enterprises towards sustainable growth and success. Our advisors include graduates from our esteemed Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA) programs, as well as seasoned advisors with substantial experience in Dubai. Whether you seek advice on navigating complex family dynamics or enhancing your business strategies, our trusted advisors are here to provide unparalleled support and insights.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] to obtain the full contact details of any advisor.
Find your Trusted Advisor
Browse our directory of certified business advisors and filter by industry or area of expertise
Organization: Dubai Centre for Family Business | Dubai Chambers
Areas of expertise: Corporate Governance, Family Office Structure, Succession Planning, Next Generation Development, Strategy and Corporate Structure
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Advance Certified Family Business Advisor (ACFBA), Advance Certified Family Wealth Advisor (ACFWA), Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Adib is the Director of the Dubai Center for Family Business that works under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers focused on empowering multigenerational family enterprises.
With over 2 decades of experience in specialized advisory services for diversified businesses with big four firms, Adib leads a team of experts to deliver innovative solutions and services to Dubai based family business to enhance knowledge, training and development programs of family members, advocating for family business as well as providing bespoke advisory services to enhance family business governance and continuity.
He oversees the creation of cutting-edge educational programs, workshops and seminars designed to equip family business leaders with the tools and insights necessary to navigate complex challenges.
Adib is a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute where he served as a Board member and holds multiple professional certifications in family business and family wealth advisory from FFI and STEP.
Areas of expertise: Family Business Governance, Ownership and Shareholding Structures, Drafting Family Constitutions and Protocols, Board Formation and Evaluation, Succession Planning and Generational Transition, Corporate Governance Frameworks and Board Charters, Family Office Design and Operating Models, Governance Compliance with Evolving Legal Frameworks, Strategic Alignment of Family and Business Goals, Customized Governance Solutions for Regional Business Families
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Akram Okeili is the Founder and Managing Partner of Okeili & Co., the region’s leading advisory firm specializing in governance, succession, and transformation of family-owned businesses. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the field, Akram has played a pivotal role in guiding regional family enterprises through complex governance transitions, strategic restructurings, and constitution drafting processes.
Throughout his advisory career, Akram has worked closely with over 75 family businesses across the region, supporting them in establishing tailored ownership, corporate, and family governance frameworks. His approach blends international best practices with deep cultural and regulatory understanding, ensuring that each solution reflects the unique values, dynamics, and aspirations of the families he advises.
Akram is also a contributor to regional policy development. Notably, he played an instrumental role in shaping the new company law introduced in January 2023, particularly the articles related to enterprising families and governance structures. He is frequently invited to speak at regional forums and chambers of commerce on topics related to family business governance and regulatory evolution.
Areas of expertise: Family and Business Strategy, Structuring and Re-structuring, Corporate Finance and Sectors expertise: Real Estate, Insurance, Automotive and Metal Trading
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Ali Gargash, born into a prominent trading family proud of its rich historical and cultural heritage, is a seasoned family business executive and holds an MBA from London Business School. He began his career as a market analyst at Dubai Aluminium in 2009, a role he held until its merger with Emirates Global Aluminium. In 2014, Ali established AJG Holding, successfully continuing his family's legacy as a second-generation leader. Today, he is instrumental in shaping AJG Holding’s strategies, providing strategic guidance to board members, driving investor relations, and directing the company’s growth in sectors such as real estate, insurance, and automotive.
Ali has extensive experience in structuring and restructuring within his family businesses, handling various levels of shareholding. He has also worked externally on a case-by-case basis, with expertise in both onshore setups in the UAE and offshore operations across Asian and Western jurisdictions, understanding their legal and financial implications.
Alia Al Mulla
Senior Associate and Head of Family Offices and Shareholder Disputes Practice
Designation: Senior Associate and Head of Family Offices and Shareholder Disputes Practice
Organization: Habib Al Mulla & Partners
Areas of expertise: Dispute Resolution, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Ultra-High Net Worth, Shareholder and Family Disputes
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Alia Al Mulla is an associate in Habib Al Mulla and Partners Dispute Resolution practice group, based in Dubai. She focuses on civil and commercial litigation matters, appearing in courts throughout the Emirates.
As a licensed UAE lawyer, Alia has full rights of audience in local and federal courts of the UAE and represents individuals and multinational corporates on commercial disputes across a variety of industry sectors, including the real estate, construction and insurance sectors.
Areas of expertise: Family and corporate governance, Succession Planning and Generational Change, Next Generation Development, Corporate finance, Business and family strategic planning, Creating Family Constitution and Protocols, Conflict Management, Sectors: Family Offices and Conglomerates , Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Trading Real Estates and Investments
Languages spoken: English & Swahili
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Amin Nasser is a Senior Adviser Advisor to PricewaterhouseCoopers’s (PwC) Private Business Practice.
He is an ex-PwC senior Partner in the UAE and was with the firm in Dubai and London for over 35 years.
Amin was the Middle East Entrepreneurial and Private Clients leader for PwC Middle East and headed the firm’s Family Business Forum in the region, responsible for developing the firm’s activities in Family Business Advisory .
Amin was also a member of the PwC Middle East Leadership team and a director in the PwC Middle East Region Board.
Amin’s experience with Family Businesses in the Middle East is considerable. He has worked with a large number of Families advising them on key Family issues such as Strategy, Continuity, Succession Planning and Conflict Management. He has also helped these Families establish their Ownership governance and their Family Constitution or Protocols. He has also advised family businesses on corporate governance issues
In doing so , he has helped families develop strategic plans on their business and family and to create various Family structures to help these Families achieve sustainable long term continuity and success.
Amin is a regular speaker at Family business conferences and forums and a regular contributor to a number of business media and magazines.
He also has a wide range of business advisory and corporate finance experience gained in the UAE and in the UK in a variety of business sectors including Retail, Manufacturing, Construction, Trading, Aviation, Government and Oil & Gas.
In 2015 , Amin joined a Family business conglomerate , Gulf Marketing Group (GMG), as the CEO. The group operates 12 business divisions across a wide range of industries including Sports & Lifestyle, Healthcare & Nutrition, Food processing and distribution, Education, Outdoor Furniture and Logistics. Amin was responsible for driving the Group’s overall growth and productivity across the Middle East working closely with the Deputy Chairman to develop and execute the Group’s long term strategy.
Organization: Dubai Centre for Family Business I Dubai Chambers
Areas of expertise: Developing leadership skills tailored to family business dynamics. Structuring governance frameworks to balance family and business interests Preparing next-generation leaders for seamless transitions
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Badreya Al Mutawa, Emirati National born in UAE, Dubai city.
Badreya Studied travel & Tourism at the Emirate Aviation University. She completed her MBA In General Management at Coventry University, UK.
Certified on International Protocol by Protocol School from Washington - USA in 2012, and the United Nation Protocol by UN Institute for training and research – Geneva in 2020.
Badreya engages in the Business protocol and Event Management. She started her career in the hospitality Industry with Jumeirah group as the first Emirati group joining the initiative of Emiratisation in Hospitality.
Badreya has over 20 years of professional experience in Protocol and high-profile events management as well as Soft Diplomacy. In 2020, she launched an Initiative of The Journey of Peace Across Cultures. This travel program aims to connect and communicate with different societies and civilizations as well as to deliver the message of peace.
Basma Alzamil
Family Business Governance Advisor, Regional Head - ME
Designation: Family Business Governance Advisor, Regional Head - ME
Organization: Lansberg Gersick Advisors
Areas of expertise: Governance Structures, Conflict Resolution, Succession Planning
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Basma Al Zamil advises leading families in the region working as advisor in Lansberg Gersick Advisors (LGA) Global, supporting the families to navigate complex issues while maintaining a harmonious family dynamic. She is regarded both in her family and the country as an expert in family enterprise transitions through governance, succession planning, leadership development, and technology.
Basma is currently an active member of several government and nonprofit organizations, serving on their boards and committees. She is currently a member of the local city council in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, member of Businesswomen Executive Council and on the Board of Trustees at Royal University of Women in Bahrain. She is a prolific speaker and contributor to regional conferences and forums on all areas of family enterprise.
Basma hails from a well-renowned family enterprise, the Zamil Group based in Saudi Arabia. She has the distinct privilege of being one of the first female family members to work in the family enterprise, and through her various accomplishments, has risen to become one of the new generation of leaders within the group.
Basma started her professional journey at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University then worked for Michael Baker International in the United States, before joining Zamil Group in Human Resources, bringing structure and change well ahead of her years, which led to her assuming the role of General Manager for Corporate Human Resources. She later held the position of Head of Corporate Social Responsibility where, driven by her belief in the positive impact that businesses can have on society, she spearheaded the development and implementation of various social initiatives. In addition, she worked on preparing the family members to create the best future for them and designing a comprehensive plan for a smooth transition of leadership, ownership and governance.
Basma holds a master’s degree in Adult and Community Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. Her dissertation focused on Conflict Dynamics and Opportunities for Second-Generation Family Businesswomen in Saudi Arabia, and highlighted recommendations to manage conflict, enhance family dynamics and improve outcomes for women in family enterprises.
Areas of expertise: Governance Architecture and Strategic Planning; Governance Structures Implementation; Family Dynamics and Conflict Resolution; Ownership & Board Development; Succession Planning; Next Gen Development Programs
Languages spoken: English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Bob Kohli has almost two decades of experience as a global advisor and consultant, nine of them advising family enterprises across the world, predominantly in the Middle East and South Asia. He currently serves as a Board Director for a Saudi-based family conglomerate and as a board advisor for several family businesses in the region. His specializations include long-term strategic planning, family enterprise governance, conflict resolution, next-generation development, and succession planning.
A “third culture person” with international work experience, Bob has a keen awareness and sensitivity of the cultural nuances of increasingly global families, which help him to engage and connect with families from various backgrounds and to support them in finding the right balance between traditions and transitions. He enables multigenerational alignment by creating a psychologically safe environment in which family leaders can openly discuss, debate, and decide on the future of their legacy.
In advising leading G2 and G3 families, Bob supports the design and launch of foundational governance structures like councils, constitutions, and boards to stabilize, sustain, and grow their family enterprises. He has extensive experience working with leadership teams consisting of family and non-family executives, and driving an analytical and performance-based leadership rooted in accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Bob also works with next-generation family members to help them develop an owner mindset and prepare for collaborative stewardship. He firmly believes that sustainability in family enterprises is achieved by nurturing transgenerational entrepreneurship, which enables the growth of both the enterprise and the family leadership team.
Earlier in his career, while at Bain & Company, Bob led several projects in strategy (investment, growth, turnaround) and change management for Fortune 100 clients. His sector experience includes pharmaceuticals & healthcare, oil & gas, tech, private equity, venture capital, and consumer and luxury goods across verticals of retail, trade, manufacturing, supply chain & logistics, and services.
Bob holds an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York, a combined Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from Loyola University Chicago, and Advanced Certificates in Family Business Advisory (ACFBA) and Family Wealth Advisory (ACFWA) from the renowned Family Firm Institute in Boston. Bob is also an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, an accredited Belbin Team Roles Coach, and an accredited Advanced Practitioner of Enneagram Personality Types.
Bob is married with a teenage daughter. He is a family man and spends his free time being a doting father, spending quality time with his retired parents, and keeping up with global affairs and family enterprise literature.
Areas of expertise: Family Governance, Next Generation education and preparation, Children and Wealth, Succession Planning, Structuring, Wealth Management
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Carol is an experienced wealth advisor working with families across the Middle East for over 18 years. Advising on all matters with regards to succession planning and structuring, family governance and wealth management.
Areas of expertise: Restructuring, Succession Planning, DIFC Foundations, Offshore Trusts, Family wealth structuring and succession planning, UAE Regulatory licensing
Languages spoken: English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Wealth Advisor
Professional bio:
As Managing Director, Dave has overall responsibility for Trident’s Dubai operations. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, with over 15 years of experience in financial services and investment funds. After spending five years with a Big Four accountancy firm, Dave moved into the private equity real estate sector, first in portfolio management and then later as CFO of a listed REIT before joining Trident Dubai in 2019.
Dave also holds a BCom (Acc) (Hons) from the University of Johannesburg and an MSc (Property Studies) from the University of Cape Town.
Organization: Dubai Centre for Family Business I Dubai Chambers
Areas of expertise: Family Business Relationshiop Management, Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management, Event & Content Curation, Government & Institutional Liaison
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Deema Dajani is actively involved in Dubai’s initiatives to support the long-term success of family businesses. As Projects Manager at the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, she leads a suite of strategic projects designed to equip family enterprises with the tools, leadership, and insight needed to thrive across generations.
Her portfolio includes the Centre’s NextGen Training Program and the Advisors Certification Program—equipping successors and advisors with skills tailored to the unique dynamics of family-owned enterprises.
Deema plays a pivotal relational role within the ecosystem, cultivating trust and long-term engagement with families. She serves as Secretary of both the Family Business Advisory and Technical Committees, collaborating with key stakeholders to shape frameworks that promote sustainability. Her efforts also extend to policy and advocacy, where she contributes to key dialogues through structured insight documentation and roundtable engagement. With a passion for accessible knowledge, Deema spearheads the Centre’s initiative to translate global family business insights into Arabic, enhancing regional relevance and impact.
In 2024, she was selected to join the Program Committee for the Family Firm Institute’s Global Conference at London Business School, helping craft an agenda centered on continuity and leadership.
Her global outlook is reinforced by executive family business training at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, USA and IMD in Switzerland, in addition to an Advanced Certificate in Family Business and Wealth Advising from FFI. Previously, she led the business matching services at Dubai Chambers, closing multi-million-dollar deals and forging international partnerships.
Across every endeavor, Deema blends strategic acumen with a deep understanding of legacy and leadership—cementing her role as a key architect of Dubai’s family business future.
Designation: Executive Coach & Family Business Advisor
Organization: Anhar Coaching and Consulting L.L.C-FZ
Areas of expertise: Team Facilitation, Executive, Leadership, Team and Transition Coaching, Advisory Board Chair, Family Business Advisor as well as Digital Transformation Advisor.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, French, German, Italian
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Delel Chaabouni is an Executive Coach, and a Family Business Advisor certified by the Family Firm Institute (FFI), with over 28 years of international experience across diverse industries.
She partners with C-level executives, leadership teams, and family enterprises to drive transformation, strengthen governance, and enable sustainable growth.
Delel brings a distinctive blend of senior corporate leadership and advisory expertise. She has held executive roles at globally recognized organizations including PepsiCo, Gartner, Hewlett Packard, KPMG, and Dubai World Trade Centre.
As a former Chief Information Officer, she led large-scale digital transformation programs, aligned technology with business strategy, and built high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Her work with family enterprises focuses on governance, succession planning, and aligning family and business systems to ensure continuity across generations. As an FFI-certified Family Business Advisor, she brings a systemic and culturally attuned approach to managing family dynamics, generational transitions and sustaining family legacies.
Delel is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and serves as an Executive Coach with the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) and London Business School (LBS). She holds an MBA and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science from Germany.
Areas of expertise: Diana's private practice in HNW & Private Client is focused on Matrimonial, Succession planning, Immigration and Property laws. The services provided include litigation, as our law firm is comprised of local lawyers and legal professionals qualified and experienced in several jurisdictions and in cross border litigation. We have right of audience before all UAE courts, Federal & Emirate, including DIFC Courts. We are registered in DIFC as Wills Draftsmen, and in ADJD Wills & probate court. Our clientele includes individuals, families and businesses whom we represent before the courts and ADR tribunals as well as outside the courtroom. We are the only local litigation firm with Private Client Expertise ranked by Chambers and Spears as the top High Net Worth firm in the Middle East in Family Law. We are also the only known firm in the UAE that provides expert evidence on Civil Law matters.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English & French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Diana Hamade is the founder of Diana Hamade Attorneys at Law in Dubai, her boutique law firm in the UAE. Diana is a UAE -licensed lawyer with right of audience before all UAE Courts including DIFC.
Diana is an expert in civil and sharia law, specializing in family law matters with emphasis on succession planning and private client. She also provides expert witness evidence before courts and dispute resolution forums, on family law matters including divorce, child custody, child relocation/abduction, surrogacy, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, inheritance matters, and the enforcement of foreign court judgements. She has acted as expert witness before legal forums in foreign jurisdictions including England, France, Australia, Switzerland, and the U.S. She is also a known practitioner in succession planning, advising on Foundations, Trusts and Waqf, and providing practical guidance on structures for estate and succession planning under Sharia, Dubai, DIFC, ADGM & UAE Laws.
Diana is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), where she served as Vice Chair for the IBA Arab Regional Forum, and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) serving on the board of SIGS. Diana is also a member of the Emirates Lawyers Association and held the chair of the International Relations Committee.
Diana is a contributor to several publications, including the UAE chapter on The Family Law book, Jurisdictional Comparisons, published by Thomson Reuters; the Middle East & North Africa Overview chapter of The International Comparative Legal Guide to International Arbitration, Litigation & Dispute Resolution; among others. Diana was the Legal Affairs columnist in The National from 2009 to 2012, she authored a regular column for The Brief (Thomson Reuter) in 2008 and had a regular article published in Villa88 magazine titled the Legally Stylish Column from 2016 until 2020 turned into a digital book. Diana is also a contributor to LexisNexis Gulf Legal Guide and the MENA Business Law Review, the Legal 500 matrimonial law in the UAE chapter in 2024, Thomson Reuters Family Law Book sixth Edition, the Bluebook in 2024, and is regularly sought after for speaking opportunities in legal conferences, workshops, and events worldwide.
Diana appears on Sky News Arabia as the Legal Advisor on the morning show segment, and she appeared in 2021 & 2022 on MBC Arabia on the Morning show speaking on matters of the law in the GCC.
Diana is also ranked by Spears as the Family Lawyer in the UAE in 2023 & 2024, she also won the 2021 LexisNexis Women in Law Award, and law firm of the year in the Women Law awards by Lexis Nexis. Diana. Diana is ranked by Chambers in 2020, 2021, 2023 & 2024 as band 1 HNW succession & matrimonial lawyer in the UAE and as band 1 in HNW Matrimonial Law in 2022. Diana was awarded the “Most Influential Female Lawyer in the UAE” by Thomson Reuters in 2011, “Best Legal Affairs Author” by the National in 2012 and the “Arab Woman of the Legal chapter 2018” by ITP.
Designation: Family Business Advisory & Governance
Organization: Dubai Centre for Family Business
Areas of expertise: Family Governance, Succession Planning, Next Generation Development, Corporate and Board Governance, Subsidiary Governance
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA), Governance, Risk and Compliance Professional (GRCP), Six Sigma Green Belt
Professional bio:
Dina is an Associate Manager in the Family Business Advisory & Governance team at the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses.
Dina previously spent seven years at PwC, specializing in family and corporate governance and advising leading regional family businesses on building robust governance frameworks that support long-term sustainability and continuity.
Dina has played a key role in governance transformation initiatives for both private enterprises and public sector entities, helping organizations build and strengthen their governance frameworks. Her expertise includes developing Family Constitutions, Governance Protocols, and Board and Committee Charters, ensuring institutionalized decision-making, structured succession planning, and effective shareholder engagement. She also advises on subsidiary governance, assessing board structures, delegation of authority, and governance policies to enhance oversight, accountability, and strategic alignment across business entities. Through her work, she supports organizations in achieving professionalization, continuity, and long-term sustainability.
Dina holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering (with Distinction) from the American University of Beirut. She has earned multiple professional certifications, including the Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) from the Family Firm Institute (FFI), demonstrating her expertise in governance and succession planning for family enterprises. She is also a certified Governance, Risk, and Compliance Professional (GRCP) by the Open Compliance and Ethics Group (OCEG), equipping her with a strong foundation in regulatory frameworks and risk management. Additionally, she holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), reflecting her proficiency in process improvement and operational efficiency.
Dina is committed to enhancing governance practices that drive resilience, strategic growth, and intergenerational success for family businesses and corporations across the region.
Areas of expertise: Business Strategy & Sustainability Business strategy and sustainability Family governance and constitutions Succession and generational transition Restructuring, M&A, and transactions Conflict resolution and mediation
Languages spoken: English and Arabic
Advisory Certification(s): CFBA
Professional bio:
Dr. Basel is a qualified business professional with 25+ years of practical experience in Finance across different sectors and industries. He advises owners, senior leaders, & C-Level officials on strengthening finance & strategy functions. As a result, he transforms boardroom culture while bridging compliance, conscience, and commercial impact, helping boards navigate risk, performance, and societal accountability. With deep financial acumen, he translates complex data into strategic insights that drive executive decision-making.
Today, Dr. Basel serves as an independent advisor for more than one company, providing financial, strategic, and governance advice.
In addition to holding several professional qualifications and attending various executive education courses at reputable business schools, he earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree in 2023 from the University of Northampton, UK. In 2011, he completed his MBA in Strategic Management at the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.
Areas of expertise: Accounting, Auditing, Bookkeeping, Tax Agent, Court Accounting and Banking Expert, Arbitration proceedings, Arbitration Support, Banking, Banking Disputes, Business Analysts, Financial reorganization and bankruptcy
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Dr. Bassam Ajoul is the founder and managing partner of Masters Legal Accountants (MLA), a leading audit, accounting, and tax firm in the UAE. He earned his License in Economics & Commerce with a focus on Business Administration from the University of Damascus in 1980, followed by a Diploma in Commercial Accounting and Auditing from the Al Jazairi Institute of Science in 1981.
From 1981 to 1992, Dr. Ajoul gained valuable experience as the Finance & Administrative Manager at Gulf Industries Company (PSC) and as a Senior Auditor at Al Khader & Co. In 1992, he founded MLA, which has since become one of the most respected firms in the region.
Dr. Ajoul holds numerous professional certifications, including the Arabic Certified Public Accountant (1999) and Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (2009). He also completed a Management Skills Placement Test at the American University of Dubai in 2018 and earned an MBA from the Leadership & Management Global Organization. Additionally, he holds an Emirates Certified Public Accountant designation, a Certificate in Team Leading from the Institute of Leadership & Management (UK), an Honorary Doctorate from the World Federation of United Nations Friends (WFUNF) College of Diplomatic Studies, and certifications in Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute Global Education Network.
In 1993, Dr. Ajoul was registered as an Authorized Accountant and Auditor in Dubai, and in 1998, he was registered as an Authorized Auditor with the UAE Federal Ministry of Economy and Commerce. He is also a certified Tax Agent with the UAE Federal Tax Authority. His extensive experience includes being registered in the Roster of Accountants and Banking Experts in Dubai Courts in 1996, where he has handled around 3,000 court-appointed cases, including those related to accounting, liquidation, bankruptcy, legal guardianship, insolvency, and estates/inheritance. He has also issued over 500 consultancy reports for civil and criminal courts and participated in approximately 75 arbitration cases, serving as a solo arbitrator, chairman, and tribunal member.
Dr. Ajoul is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Accountants and Auditors Association in the UAE, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA), and the Accounting & Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). He is also involved with the Arab Anti-Corruption Organization (AACO), the General Union of Arab Experts, and the World Federation of United Nations Friends (WFUNF). Additionally, he is an associate member of the Association of Certified Accountants in Syria.
As an accredited arbitrator, Dr. Ajoul is recognized by numerous arbitration centers, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Egyptian Chamber for International Commercial Arbitration, and the International Islamic Center for Reconciliation and Arbitration. His contributions have solidified his reputation as a leading expert in accounting and legal matters in the UAE.
Areas of expertise: Governance: Designing clarity and structure, Business Acumen: Credibility with leadership, Facilitation: Managing conflict and alignment
Languages spoken: Arabic - English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Dr Bilal Hamade Summary
Bilal is an experienced leader and change architect. Drawing on his success as a CEO, he now translates his passion for driving high performance in both sports and business through the development of strong leaders.
After eight years as the Group CEO, Bilal shifted to investing more time utilizing his extensive experience by advising, coaching and mentoring various Boards of medium to large enterprises and family businesses.
Qualifications
Career Coaching
Leadership Coaching
Leadership Development
Executive Coaching
Certifications & Accreditations
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Programming & Informatics,
MBA in Marketing, MSc in Business and Management Research
Doctorate in Leadership, Henley Business School – Reading University
Areas of expertise: Financial Management & Accounting, Forensic Accounting & Financial Dispute Resolution, Expert Testimony in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Ministry of Justice Courts, Corporate Financial Analysis & Compliance, Family Business Governance & Succession Planning, Financial Risk Assessment & Crisis Management, Strategic Advisory for Family Enterprises
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Dr. Fatima has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, she is a seasoned expert in financial management, corporate accounting, and forensic financial analysis. Holding a PhD in Financial Management, Dr. Fatima brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to complex financial matters, ensuring compliance, financial efficiency, and business sustainability.
Her extensive experience includes working within the legal and regulatory frameworks of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Justice courts, where shes serves as a recognized expert in financial disputes and forensic accounting. She has provided expert financial analysis and testimony in high-stakes cases, offering her knowledge to support legal proceedings and financial dispute resolution.
In addition to her financial expertise, she is actively involved in the family business sector, with a particular focus on financial governance, succession planning, and conflict resolution. As a member of the Family Business Dispute Committee, she contributes to resolving intricate financial and structural challenges within family-owned enterprises. Recognizing the unique dynamics of family businesses, she earned a certificate in Family Business from the Family Firm Institute (FFI) in the United States and is a member of the institute. These credentials reinforce her ability to navigate the complexities of multi-generational businesses, ensuring financial stability and long-term success.
Throughout her career, Dr. Fatima has been dedicated to providing financial leadership and expert advisory services to businesses, legal professionals, and family enterprises. Her ability to analyze financial structures, optimize financial performance, and resolve disputes has made her a trusted advisor in the field.
Dr. Fatima's professional approach is built on integrity, precision, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that her clients receive the highest level of financial expertise tailored to their unique challenges and objectives.
Areas of expertise: Arbitration, Construction, Corporate Structuring & Restructuring, Commercial, Litigation, Infrastructure, Regulatory, Mergers & Employment Law
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Dr. Habib is one of the UAE’s most highly respected legal authorities. He has over 40 years’ experience in UAE laws. Dr. Habib is a strong advocate for the improvement and modernization of UAE Laws. He is a frequent commentator on the legislation and economy of the UAE and is often consulted to draft and advise on Federal and Emirate level laws.
Dr Habib focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration. He was Chairman of the CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) UAE Committee and served as Chairman of the board of trustees for the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). He is also a Member of the Board of Dubai International Chamber.
He created the concept of financial free zones in the UAE and was the architect of the legal framework establishing the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the first financial free zone in the UAE. Dr Habib also served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Dr. Habib has held numerous prominent government positions over the years, including being a member of the UAE Federal National Council, the federal parliament of the UAE, member of the Legislative Committee, in charge of reviewing federal legislation, member of the Economic Committee, in charge of reviewing fiscal and economic policy of the federation, Director of the Institute of Advanced Legal and Judicial Studies, in charge of training judges and prosecutors in the Emirate of Dubai and Chairman of the UAE Jurists Association.
Areas of expertise: Strategic leadership, business excellence, family business governance, corporate finance, process optimization, risk management, executive coaching, multi-family partnerships, succession planning, building materials, dry-bulk shipping strategy, market expansion, business transformation, organizational development, AI in business strategy, negotiation, stakeholder management, and cross-border trade
Languages spoken: English, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Arabic (manage)
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Dr. Mohamed Ali A.H. Maricar
Chief Executive Officer | Strategy & Business Excellence Leader | Family Business Advisor
Dr. Mohamed is a dynamic and a strategic business leader with extensive experience in corporate leadership, business excellence and family business governance. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of BBMC, a leading building materials trading company, he has been instrumental in driving growth, optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation across multiple outlets. His deep understanding of business strategy, financial management and operational efficiency has positioned BBMC as a key player in the industry.
Beyond his role at BBMC, Dr. Mohamed is the Strategy Head of a dry-bulk shipping company, navigating the complexities of a high-risk, low-reward industry. He plays a crucial role in process improvement, financial oversight and leadership mentoring, ensuring that strategic decisions align with long-term sustainability. His expertise in mitigating risks, improving corporate governance and balancing operational efficiency with market volatility makes him an invaluable asset in the shipping sector.
A seasoned C-suite executive, business owner, management consultant and board advisor, Dr. Mohamed has a keen eye for corporate strategy and business transformation. He actively engages in business excellence frameworks, such as EFQM's ‘Journey for Excellence,’ to enhance organizational performance and build resilient business models. His commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in his leadership approach, where he integrates modern management techniques with traditional business wisdom.
Dr. Mohamed has a strong academic foundation in strategic management and leadership, holding a PhD qualification in the field. He is also a Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) from FFI, which equips him with deep insights into the complexities of multi-family partnerships, succession planning and governance structures. As a second-generation leader in a multi-family business, he has firsthand experience in navigating the delicate balance between ownership, management and family dynamics. His ability to mediate conflicts, design sustainable business structures and foster unity within family enterprises has made him a sought-after advisor in the field.
His expertise extends beyond corporate leadership into strategic alignment and executive coaching. He has successfully conducted workshops on business processes and strategic alignment, making complex frameworks engaging and actionable for senior management teams. Recognizing the importance of structured growth, he has been proactive in initiating internal assessments and excellence-driven reviews for his company’s multiple branches.
With a passion for continuous learning, Dr. Mohamed is exploring AI’s impact on business strategy and leadership, aiming to integrate emerging technologies into corporate decision-making.
A frugal yet elegant professional, Dr. Mohamed values strategic investments over extravagance, ensuring that every decision he makes aligns with long-term value creation. With a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to excellence and an ability to balance growth with sustainability, he continues to shape the future of the businesses he leads.
Areas of expertise: Family Business and Private Wealth, Mediation and Arbitration, Family Business & UHNWI, Wealth & Investment Advisor, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Intellectual Property, Public Policy, Foreign direct investment, Sustainable Economic Development, Art, Consumer Protection, Competitiveness, Youth development, Ease of doing business, Sustainability, Green Economy, Future governments & cities, Economic and Financial Free Zones, General Counsel, CSR, Entertainment, Media, Aviation, Corporate Governance, Strategy, Business Development, Mediation & Arbitration, Org restructuring, Advisory Board, Banking, Insurance, Hotel & Resorts Management, Real Estate Development, Start ups, SMEs, Branding.
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Dr. Tarek Hajjiri has over 25 years of international experience both in private and public sectors (Middle East, GCC, United States and Canada), working closely with international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, EX-IM Banks, Economic Development Banks, UNDP, INSOL, UNCITRAL, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and many others.
Dr. Hajjiri held senior leading positions in both private and government sectors in the UAE during the years 2008 – September 2023 including Senior Vice President for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Legal Affairs as well as Commissioner of Intellectual Property when he was appointed in January 2020 by UAE Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the DIFC.
Dr. Hajjiri has successfully established and led the well-known DIFC Family Wealth Centre where he was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer for the Centre leading over one trillion US dollars of global private wealth.
Dr. Tarek Hajjiri earned his Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law and his PhD in Commercial Law – Family Wealth. He is a registered and licensed arbitrator and Mediator at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre and has published many books with well-known world class publishers in London such as Palgrave Macmillan on bankruptcy and financial restructuring, family wealth, Small and medium Enterprises, Intellectual Property (IP) rights and recently published his third book, the first book of its kind on regulating family businesses and private wealth which was officially launched by the UAE Ministry of Economy, H.E Minister Abdullah Bin Touq, Minister of Economy. Dr. Hajjiri has achieved number of professional excellence awards as well as recognitions from well reputed organizations for supporting foreign investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Areas of expertise: Wealth Managementt & Investment Advisory
Languages spoken: English, French & Russian
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Egor Babkin is an investment professional with 9 years of experience. After graduating from Russia's top ranked business school, Egor started his carreer in country's largest investment bank based in Moscow, where he worked in key clients department and debt capital markets department. In 2022 he moved to Dubai as an investor advisor to a single family office. Egor is now with Seddiqi Holding, where he is responsible for formulating and executing investment strategy, assessing investment opportunities accross asset classes and establishing organization's access to global capital markets. Egor is also a CFA Charterholder.
Areas of expertise: AI Due Diligence for VCs & Family Offices: Evaluate AI startups’ scalability, compliance, and risks, delivering in-depth analysis of tech and governance for informed investments. Training & Lecturing for AI in Family Offices: Provide expert-led workshops to equip executives and teams with secure, ethical AI tools for market success.
Languages spoken: English, German, Turkish
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Fabian Celik is an AI Educator and Advisor specializing in bespoke AI training and advisory for family offices. With over six years of experience guiding AI-driven ventures, he empowers wealth stewards to make informed, future-proof investment decisions. As a former CTO of a software startup and current community leader at a global healthcare firm, Fabian brings deep technical and strategic expertise. Through celik.ai, he evaluates AI startups for scalability, compliance, and risk—key factors for family offices seeking sustainable returns.
Fabian provides tailored governance insights, helping family offices navigate the complexities of AI investments while mitigating risks and ensuring ethical alignment. His guidance equips principals and advisors to assess opportunities confidently, from due diligence to portfolio scaling. A lecturer in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, he translates cutting-edge concepts into practical strategies for secure, impactful AI adoption. Certified in Machine Learning and Ethical AI, with a B.Sc. in Business Information Systems and an MBA, Fabian bridges technology and wealth management with precision.
For family offices, Fabian offers a trusted partner to demystify AI, align investments with long-term goals, and drive innovation success. His proven track record and academic rigor ensure clarity and trust in an evolving landscape.
Faisal Alshehhi
Governance Manager
Dubai Centre for Family Businesses I Dubai Chambers
Organization: Dubai Centre for Family Businesses I Dubai Chambers
Areas of expertise: Family Dynamics, Next Generation Development
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Faisal Alshehhi is a committed professional at Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, where he focuses on supporting family-owned businesses to ensure continuity and build lasting legacies through smooth generational transitions. With two years of experience in this field, Faisal is building a solid foundation in family business management, further strengthened by an executive course at IMD. His background in innovation management, and luxury brand management, combined with skills gained from courses like Personal Leadership Insights and Becoming an Effective Board Member, enables him to contribute meaningfully to the success of family firms. Passionate about sustainable growth, Faisal is dedicated to helping families preserve their heritage while exploring forward-thinking strategies.
Areas of expertise: Wealth Management & Financial Advisory, Forensic Investigations, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Financial Auditing & Risk Management
Languages spoken: Arabic & French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Farah Demeisi is an Assistant Manager at Ernst & Young (EY) Consulting LLC, with 5+ years of experience in project management and finance, specializing in wealth management, compliance, forensic investigations, financial auditing, and corporate governance. She has a strong background in analyzing financial records, conducting forensic reviews, and ensuring regulatory compliance across various industries.
Farah holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Amman, Jordan. She is a native Arabic speaker with strong English proficiency, enabling her to collaborate effectively with international teams and global clients.
Areas of expertise: Structuring and Restructuring (legal & financial), Portfolio Rationalization, Investments / Divestments, Negotiations, M&A
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Accomplished senior executive with extensive experience and solid command of various aspects of business including Finance,
Investments, IR, commercial, legal, strategy, driving growth, restructuring & turnarounds. Successful track record in Holding
Companies and Family offices with specific focus on Real Estate, Private Equity, Renewable Energy & Contracting industries
through orchestrating multidiscipline teams, managing multi-billion-dollar annual transactions and projects, delivering on
time and on budget results in complex multicultural business environments. Significant Board Level skills gained through acting
as Non-Executive Board Member and as Board Secretary in Publicly listed entities.
Areas of expertise: Family Governance & Constitutions; Wealth, Estate & Succession Planning;Business Strategy & Sustainability;
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Firas Haddad a Partner in Risk Advisory with more than 27 years of experience advising public and private sector organizations across the Middle East on governance, risk, compliance, internal controls, and business transformation. He specializes in corporate and institutional governance, family governance and constitutions, enterprise risk management, internal audit transformation, business resilience frameworks, ethics and compliance programs, internal control reviews, state audit transformation, and third-party risk management.
Throughout his career, Firas has held senior leadership positions with leading professional services firms, including Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY, and Arthur Andersen. Most recently, he served as Deloitte's Middle East SRTA Government & Public Sector Leader and UAE Accounting and Internal Controls Leader, while acting as lead partner on several high-profile government accounts. Prior to that, as Partner and Public Sector Leader at KPMG Lower Gulf, he transformed the Governance, Risk and Compliance Services (GRCS) public sector practice, tripling its size within 18 months, expanding the team from 14 to 60 professionals, and driving significant growth and market recognition.
During his tenure at PwC, Firas served as Director and later Partner, leading major initiatives in Risk Assurance and Business Controls & Risk (BCR). He played a key role in developing governance structures for family businesses across the region, including organizations in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, India, and the UAE. He also contributed to conflict resolution and governance initiatives in collaboration with Dubai Chambers and was a frequent speaker at family business forums.
Earlier in his career, Firas was an Executive Manager at EY, where he led finance process outsourcing engagements, strengthened clients' internal control environments, and supported audit and compliance initiatives. He began his professional journey with Arthur Andersen in Oman and Jordan, gaining extensive audit and advisory experience across sectors including oil and gas, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
Firas holds a degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He is fluent in both Arabic and English and has extensive experience serving government entities, construction and contracting companies, family businesses, and private sector organizations across the Middle East
Areas of expertise: Family Governance, Corporate Governance, Subsidiary Governance, Strategy and Organisational Transformation, Governance Transformation, GRC Structuring, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Next Generation Development, Creating Family Constitutions
Languages spoken: English & Hindi
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Harendra is an experienced Family Business Advisor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has over 30 years of experience including 25 years in advisory services.
He was formerly the Lead Director for Governance advisory services (both family and corporate) at PwC and is a specialist in advising owner managed including privately owned businesses.
Within the Middle East, Harendra has worked with several leading family businesses over the last 15 years to assist multi-generational family businesses in ensuring smooth succession by developing structures and processes designed to ensure the continuity of the family and the business. In addition, he has worked with several PIF entities in the KSA, SWFs and large corporates in the UAE to develop fit for purpose corporate governance frameworks.
His experience through leading the development and implementation of integrated family and corporate governance and structuring solutions, including leading large scale organisational transformations for dozens of family businesses across the ME, has provided him with unique insights into best practices adopted by successful owner managed businesses.
In addition, he has supported various GCC governments in developing white papers that identified key challenges and provided recommendations across multiple domains, aimed at enhancing family business sustainability across the region.
Harendra has also led multiple projects to assist government, and privately owned businesses comply with Capital Markets regulations; developing corporate and subsidiary governance frameworks for large corporates including areas related to board structures composition, roles; board secretarial and board assessments.
Ismael Hajjar
Partner - International Private Wealth & Family Office Leader
Designation: Partner - International Private Wealth & Family Office Leader
Organization: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Areas of expertise: International wealth structuring, estate planning, international tax advisory, family office advisory (set-up and enhancement), family governance, advice on trusts / foundations.
Languages spoken: English, French, Arabic, Spanish & Dutch
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Ismael Hajjar is a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Middle East where he leads the firm’s awards-winning International Private Wealth & Family Office practice across the Middle East. With over 18 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, he specializes in international tax & wealth structuring, family office and private capital advisory, serving high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), entrepreneurial families, family offices and royal households.
Prior to joining PwC, he led the Private Client Services division of another Big Four firm, where he built a regionally recognized advisory practice for successful families and was responsible for the overall firm strategy regarding privately owned companies and their owners.
Ismael acts a trusted advisor to families, guiding them through complex cross-border matters and helping them to preserve, grow, and transition their wealth across generations. In this context, Ismael has contributed to building and currently serves Family Offices. This involved designing their strategy, operations and organizational structure as well as advising them on global tax matters.
In addition to his private client activities, Ismael also regularly advises and supports government entities across the GCC in the context of the design of HNWI / family office attraction programs. He is a member of various wealth management industry committees and working groups, and he currently serves on the Advisory Board of the DIFC Family Wealth Centre.
A frequent speaker at regional and international conferences, Ismael is recognized as a thought leader on topics such as private wealth institutionalization, cross-border tax planning, multi-generational succession planning, family governance and the evolving role of a family office.
He is a Certified Chartered Accountant in Luxembourg and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from HEC-Ulg School of Management in Belgium. He is also a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), holds a Certificate in Islamic Finance from the Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance (UK), and is certified in Family Business Advising (CFBA) by the Family Firm Institute.
Areas of expertise: Legal structuring, Corporate restructuring, Drafting family charters and shareholder agreements, Setting governing bodies, Shareholder exit strategies and lock-up periods and Dispute resolution
Languages spoken: Arabic, English & French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Jina Matar's unique expertise lies in her dual role as a family business advisor and an accomplished lawyer with a deep understanding of diverse legal jurisdictions in the Middle East. With a Master’s degree (LLM) in Corporate Law, she has specialized expertise in establishing appropriate legal structures for family businesses as well as restructuring.
She excels in drafting family charters and shareholder agreements and setting up appropriate governing bodies. Her insights further provide valuable guidance on business continuity across generations, including strategies for shareholder exits, and ownership succession planning choices.
Additionally, she is skilled in both amicable and adversarial dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring the preservation of family relationships and the company's public reputation. Jina's expertise is underpinned by her extensive experience in various legal jurisdictions in the region, especially in the UAE, KSA, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Oman. This allows her to provide expert legal counsel to family businesses operating in these regions.
By seamlessly integrating her legal background with her role as a family business advisor, Jina ensures that her clients receive strategic and well-informed guidance, adeptly addressing both the legal complexities and specific needs of family-owned enterprises. This approach empowers her clients to navigate legal challenges and familial dynamics with confidence, fostering sustainable growth and future success for their businesses.
Areas of expertise: Experienced in wealth management and international inheritance law, Worked across Paris, Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore), and Dubai, Expertise in Law Firm, Family office/Bank and fiduciary services
Languages spoken: English & French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Julie Rouas acts as a consultant to Middle Eastern and international families, their businesses, and international wealth-holding structures in the UAE, such as DIFC Foundations. She focuses on wealth succession planning and restructuring strategy. She strives to address the needs of her clients while facilitating the sustainability of their vision through an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and complexity of their situation.
Julie holds a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in law and wealth Management from Assas Paris Pantheon II.
Areas of expertise: Designing Founders Endgame, Empower Transition Readiness, Exit Planning, Assessing NextGen Readiness
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Karim Ghandour is on a mission to help founders break free from the “forever mindset” and confidently design their endgame, by empowering transition readiness around the year through innovative platform he developed. As the founder of LegacyLine™, Karim is revolutionizing the way business owners approach ownership transition, offering a path to true business, personal, and financial freedom. With certifications in family wealth advising, exit and transition planning, as a value builder expert, Karim brings a powerful mix of strategic insight and lived experience for over 20 years. Having personally navigated the emotional and financial weight of business transitions; he understands how easily founders can get stuck believing they have infinite time to plan their exit—until life proves otherwise. Whether founders are focused on growing enterprise value, navigating complex family ownership across borders, or preparing for a seamless exit, Karim’s approach is built around one core principle: you can’t control the timeline, but you can control your readiness.
Karim believes that ownership transition shouldn't be stressful, overwhelming, or reactive. With the right mindset, tools, and team, founders can reclaim their freedom—and enjoy the wealth and legacy they’ve worked so hard to build.
Design your endgame. Reclaim your freedom. Welcome to LegacyLine™.
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Khaled Sifri is an institutional advisor and board level practitioner supporting business owning families through periods of transition. He is a Certified Family Business Advisor and Chartered Director, with more than 35 years of experience spanning executive leadership, board service, investment banking, and legal practice.
In family-owned businesses continuity, control, and long-term value creation are central considerations. Khaled’s work focuses on helping owners align their strategic intentions with robust governance and decision-making frameworks that support sustainable institutional development.
Khaled’s perspective reflects an understanding that, in owner-led enterprises, major strategic and capital decisions are often influenced by ownership structure, legacy considerations, and long-standing stakeholder relationships.
Khaled acts as an independent advisor to owners, bringing experienced judgment, strategic rigor, and governance discipline to complex ownership and business decisions.
Designation: Associate Managing Director - Intelligence, Diligence and Compliance
Organization: Kroll
Areas of expertise: Investigations; business intelligence; market entry; reputation management,; in depth due diligence on sponsors, potential JV partners and targets; sectoral analysis; senior management hires screening; family office disputes; corporate culture checks; whistle blowing.
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Khalid has over 25 years of experience working in the corporate and private banking sector, particularly assisting clients in navigating risks to identifying and mitigating reputational issues relating to UHNW clients, in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with wide-ranging expertise in financial services, risk management and business development. Khalid also assisted clients with credit and relationship performance concerns on behalf of financial institutions.
Prior to joining Kroll, Khalid served as a Senior Director at Emirates NBD (Private Bank) and as an Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank, covering corporate and investment banking and private banking for the MENA market.
Prior to that, Khalid was a Director at Citigroup, where his responsibilities included financial, transactional and individual client due diligence; credit facility origination, management and distribution; debt and equity capital markets issuances; and portfolio reviews.
In addition to his banking background, Khalid has conducted several extensive investigation and intelligence projects across the Middle East, covering market entry, in-depth due diligence on sponsors and targets and sectoral analysis. Khalid’s acumen is especially pertinent in his adept navigation of the intricate dynamics inherent to the Middle Eastern business landscape. His portfolio underscores a commitment to delivering strategic insights that empower clients to make well-informed decisions, ensuring the success of diverse projects in the Middle East.
Khalid’s experience in the Middle East includes assisting clients working on family office disputes, reputational concerns, etc. while working with western investors to help them assess the risk of their investment opportunities in the area. Khalid also supports multinational companies evaluate counterparty, legal and political risks while maintaining corporate culture checks relating to Middle Eastern business conduct and governance appraisals. He also supports them in their appraisal of macroeconomic, regulatory and geopolitical risks in the region.
Khalid holds an M.A. in Economic Development and Policy Analysis from the University of Nottingham. He also holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Areas of expertise: Particular focus on delivering wealth structuring and governance solutions to Entrepreneurs, UHNW families and Family Offices around the region, using local and international Trusts, Foundations, Companies and Private Funds.
Languages spoken: English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Lynda is Group Commercial Director at Cavenwell, bringing more than two decades of experience in the Middle East, in business development and commercial leadership in the finance industry.
Lynda joined Cavenwell from one of the world’s leading providers of private client, fund and corporate administration services and has a strong track record of building high-performing teams and developing strategic partnerships across the Middle East and international markets.
Whilst managing a global team, Lynda's particular focus has been on supporting ultra-high-net-worth clients and family offices across the Middle East.
Prior to relocating to Dubai, Lynda lived and worked in the Channel Islands, both Jersey and Guernsey. Lynda holds a first class honors degree in Business and a Certificate in Family Business Advisory (CFBA).
Areas of expertise: Succession & Generational Transition; Wealth, Estate & Succession Planning; Legal Structuring & Cross-Border Advisory; Restructuring, M&A & Transactions; Conflict Resolution & Mediation; Regulatory, Compliance & Sharia-Compliant Advisory; Family Office Structuring & Management; Family Governance & Constitutions; Investment & Asset Management; Business Strategy & Sustainability;
Languages spoken: English, Russian, Ukrainian, and French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Lyudmila Yamalova is a U.S.-qualified attorney, family business advisor, and founder and managing partner of HPL Yamalova & Plewka FZCO (LYLAW), a Dubai-based law firm. She combines nearly 25 years of legal experience, including more than 17 years in the UAE, with a background in Silicon Valley management consulting. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from the University of Texas at Austin and has completed the Family Firm Institute’s Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) program.
Lyudmila advises family enterprises on succession, governance, inheritance, and conflict management to support continuity across generations. Drawing on corporate and commercial law, family law, real estate, employment, and dispute resolution, she addresses the interconnected interests of families, owners, and businesses. Her approach combines cross-jurisdictional analysis with multidisciplinary collaboration, coordinating with foreign counsel and other advisors to align legal structures, commercial objectives, and family priorities.
Her systems-thinking approach recognizes family, ownership, and business as interdependent systems. Her CFBA training includes using genograms to map family relationships and identify patterns affecting communication, governance, and succession. She considers financial performance alongside socioemotional wealth: the identity, relationships, influence, emotional attachment, and legacy families associate with their enterprises. Combining evidence-based analysis with emotional intelligence, she helps families clarify priorities, manage differing expectations, and develop practical solutions that strengthen governance and relationships. Professional ethics, confidentiality, and respect for each family’s circumstances underpin her advisory work.
Before founding LYLAW, Lyudmila practiced in Silicon Valley with DLA Piper and as senior in-house counsel at a publicly traded technology company. Her responsibilities covered global legal affairs, including Europe, with particular emphasis on Asia. This corporate experience informs her advice to family businesses on balancing legal considerations, commercial objectives, and operational realities.
Her experience spans the Bay Area’s dot-com era and the global financial downturn in the Middle East. She has helped businesses in both regions navigate restructuring and change. Building and running her own firm through successive economic cycles gives her firsthand insight into the responsibilities, pressures, and decisions facing business owners.
Having lived and worked across Eastern Europe, North America, and the Middle East, Lyudmila brings cultural insight to advising families spanning countries and generations. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian and conversant in French. Warm, approachable, and energetic, she builds trust, makes complex issues understandable, and helps families navigate sensitive decisions with pragmatic advice grounded in legal and business experience.
Her work encompasses common-law, civil-law, and Sharia-based systems, including the UAE’s onshore, DIFC, and ADGM jurisdictions. Licensed in California since 2002 and registered with Dubai’s Legal Affairs Department since 2009, she is an ADR Center-accredited mediator, DIAC-accredited arbitrator, DIFC Courts practitioner, and certified will draftsman with the DIFC Wills Service Centre.
Lyudmila founded and hosts the legal podcast Lawgical with Lyudmila and hosted Dubai Eye 103.8 FM’s Legal Clinic for over a decade. She contributes to World Bank reporting on the region, appears in international and regional media, and delivers seminars and workshops for businesses, government bodies, academic institutions, and diplomatic missions.
Areas of expertise: Maha Bin Hendi's expertise extends to legal disputes in the entertainment and creative industries, areas where she has published extensively and pioneered innovative legal strategies in response to the digital technology boom. She is prominent in handling family structures and governance, commercial litigation, commercial contracts, white collar crimes, labour disputes and civil matters. Maha is involved in M&A deals, this includes a recent acquisition in the health care sector, which she collaborated with Clyde & Co. to achieve the best results for her distinguishes clients.
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Maha Bin Hendi is a distinguished Emirati lawyer with extensive experience in the legal field. She holds the right of audience before the UAE’s Federal Courts and the Dubai Courts, and is registered in the DIFC Courts’ Register of Legal Practitioners (Part I).
Having grown up in Dubai, Maha completed her secondary education locally before pursuing higher education abroad. She earned her undergraduate degree in Law from London and an LLM from Fordham Law School in New York. Driven by a deep connection to her home city, Maha returned to Dubai to leverage the unique opportunities it offers.
Maha's commitment to professionalism, quality, and excellence is reflected in her firm's client dealings. Renowned for her high standards and legal proficiency, she is dedicated to achieving successful outcomes in every case, adhering to principles of ethics, transparency, and efficiency.
In the realm of corporate governance, Maha brings a wealth of knowledge and insight. Her experience in handling multifaceted legal disputes and her dedication to upholding rigorous legal standards make her an invaluable asset to discussions on corporate governance practices and their evolution in the modern business landscape.
Marianne Saghbini
Family Business Continuity Advisor & Coach | Personal Development Coach
Designation: Family Business Continuity Advisor & Coach | Personal Development Coach
Organization: Private Practice
Areas of expertise: Family business continuity planning, governance and decision-making frameworks, family constitution design, implementation support, family meeting facilitation, rising generation coaching and development, and one-on-one personal development coaching for family members and individuals - focused on clarity, identity, and empowered choices across generations and contexts.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English & French
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Marianne Saghbini is a Family Business Continuity Advisor with over 17 years of extensive experience working with business families across the Gulf, MENA, and Europe. Her approach blends governance frameworks with personalized coaching, helping family members navigate transitions, build clarity, and take aligned steps – whether toward continuity, evolution, or change.
She began her career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), working closely with leading regional advisors to support family enterprises of various sizes through generational transitions, evolving roles, and family decision frameworks. Over time, she recognized that even the most committed families often struggled to move from planning to practical implementation. The real need wasn’t more documentation; it was consistent, relationship-driven support to bridge the gap between vision and practice.
Marianne holds a Master's degree in Governance of Family Businesses from the Université de Montesquieu – Bordeaux IV, France. Her approach is grounded in strong governance foundations while also taking into account family dynamics, shifting responsibilities, and generational needs. She supports families in articulating their vision, clarifying responsibilities, and structuring decision-making in a way that builds trust and shared direction.
To complement her advisory work, Marianne is also a Certified Personal Development Coach (Z-Experts, ICF-accredited). She works one-on-one with individual family members – rising generation leaders, senior founders, or behind-the-scenes influencers – to guide clarity of identity, support in making empowered decisions, and pursue personal growth. This integrated approach allows families to evolve both as a collective and as individuals, with coaching bridging insight and action.
Marianne collaborates with legal, estate, financial, and other professionals to offer a holistic and well-aligned support model when needed. Based between the UAE and Portugal, she supports families across the region through a mix of remote and in-person engagement, tailored to each family’s needs.
She partners with families and individuals who are ready to move forward – whether through reflection, structure, or meaningful next steps – on a path that fits their reality and values.
Areas of expertise: Working with regional UHNW to develop their investment strategies & ISPs. Help UHNW families establish a functional family office
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
A professional Private Banker with 18 years of experience in this field. He also accumulated expertise with corporate and investment banking in the GCC and MENA markets. Mohamed works predominantly with family offices in the region and successfully manages a solid book of UHNWI in the region.
Areas of expertise: Business Transformation & Restructuring, Family Business & Wealth Advisory, Asset Management, Transaction Advisory, Fact-finding and litigation support
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Strategic Business Leader | Certified Family Business & Wealth Advisor | London Business School
With over 24 years of extensive experience, Mohammad has established myself as a trusted advisor specializing in asset management, transaction advisory, and business restructuring across the MENA region. Mohammad's career spans critical leadership roles, including acting as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with diversified portfolios in real estate, hospitality, energy, and investment management.
Key areas of expertise:
Business Transformation & Restructuring: Directed large-scale restructuring and re-engineering projects, including ERP implementation, and financial process optimization.
Family Business & Wealth Advisory: Certified expert in advising on governance frameworks, succession planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer for family-owned businesses.
Asset Management: Extensive experience managing investment portfolios, operational companies, and real estate assets, optimizing returns and operational efficiency for stakeholders.
Transaction Advisory: Led high-impact pre-transaction due diligence, business planning and asset valuation reviews, regulatory compliance reviews.
Fact-finding and litigation support, including quantification of loss, independent business review
Mohammad's experience comes from working with global and regional clients in various industry sectors, including banking, energy, real estate, hospitality, construction, FMCG, automotive, sovereign wealth funds, private equities, insurance, telecom, pharma, maritime ports, aero and others.
Areas of expertise: Family Businesses, UHNWI, Restructuring, Succession Planning, and Wealth Management
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Mohammad Khaled is an Assistant Manager at Ernst & Young (EY), specializing in advising family businesses, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and private investment groups across the Middle East on matters related to restructuring, succession planning, and wealth management. With over 6 years of experience, he provide strategic support to clients navigating complex ownership and governance structures, working across multiple jurisdictions to deliver integrated solutions that preserve wealth, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure long-term continuity. Also, his work includes designing and implementing holding and trust structures, optimizing asset portfolios, and aligning business operations with both commercial and family objectives, often incorporating Shariah-compliant frameworks where required.
Areas of expertise: Wealth Management, Investment Management, Financial Advisory, Process Transformation, Family Businesses Advisory
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Mohannad is an experienced wealth management and financial advisory professional with demonstrated history of achieving tangible results in wealth management, assets valuation, family businesses, process improvement, due diligence, compliance and risk management projects across multiple industries in the MENA region. Delivered financial advisory services to both public and private sectors. Refined communicator / negotiator with fluency in Arabic and English.
Areas of expertise: The core areas of expertise are: 1. Governance Models 2. Enterprise Wide Risk Assessment 3. Asset Protection and Succession Planing 4.Legal, Risk & Compliance (sector agnostic) 5. Mergers, Acquisitions and Spin offs. 6. Entity Structures ( Hold co/funds/SPV's/ Variable Capital companies/Trusts & Foundations)
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Narayanan Sambasivan is a seasoned board executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of global experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management across financial services, banking, and advisory sectors. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on boards regulated by ADGM and the Mauritius FSC and sits on the Advisory Board of Walton Global (USA), guiding cross-border governance and growth strategies.
Narayanan has led group-level compliance, legal, and risk functions for multinational organizations, including Amicorp Group and Credit Suisse, where he was instrumental in designing and implementing enterprise-wide governance frameworks, overseeing regulatory engagement across jurisdictions such as the SEC, FCA, MAS, and FINMA, and leading digital transformation and compliance restructuring initiatives.
His expertise spans enterprise risk assessment, anti-money laundering (CAMS-certified), legal investigations, regulatory licensing, FATCA/CRS/BEPS, and forensic reviews.
As Co-Founder of Thiyyasam Management Solutions LLC ,he advises Global families, family offices, UHNWIs, and corporates on Asset Protection, Succession Planning, Acquisitions, structuring, governance, and regulatory readiness across global markets and businesses.
Narayanan holds degrees in Law and Industrial Relations and has completed multiple board member and executive training programs in compliance, data privacy, and financial crime prevention. He is a certified family business Advisor and has procured his certification from FFI, an US based institute.
Areas of expertise: Nawal advises GCC family groups on business structuring, governance, and succession planning. Known for her Sharia-compliant, culturally attuned legal solutions, she helps safeguard generational wealth and ensure continuity. Her practice spans trusts, foundations, constitutions, and cross-border structuring, and she contributes to UAE legislative reforms supporting family-owned and privately held enterprises.
Languages spoken: English & Arabic
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Nawal Abdelhadi is an experienced Senior Counsel in Al Tamimi & Company’s Family Business and Private Wealth practice, with a particular focus on family business structuring and privately held enterprises across the MENA region. She is widely recognised for her depth of experience in advising family groups operating across the GCC and MENA region. Over the past decade, Nawal has designed and executed bespoke private legal structures for leading families in every GCC country, helping them restructure their businesses, safeguard generational wealth and implement robust family governance frameworks. Her work is distinguished by its cultural sensitivity, technical accuracy, and Sharia-compliant structuring, enabling smooth transitions from one generation to the next while aligning with each family's values and long-term vision. Nawal’s practice covers the full spectrum of family business needs. She advises on the establishment and restructuring of family companies, trusts, foundations, the development of binding family constitutions and governance frameworks, and the implementation of enforceable succession plans.
She has particular expertise in creating legal arrangements that are both Sharia-compliant and commercially sound, designed to survive generational change and protect core family assets.
Nawal regularly advises corporate groups operating throughout the GCC on cross-border structuring issues, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions while optimising operational efficiency. Beyond her transactional and advisory work, she has contributed extensively to legislative initiatives in the UAE, participating in government-led programmes aimed at strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for business. A trusted adviser to family groups, regulatory bodies and corporate clients alike, Nawal combines legal precision with strategic insight, consistently delivering solutions that reflect both the technical requirements and the human dynamics of her clients’ most important decisions.
Areas of expertise: Family Business Restructuring, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Shareholder Arrangements, Succession Planning, Asset Ownership Restructuring, Sharia-compliance, Dispute Resolution, Sustainability of Family Business, Complec Domestic and Cross-border Corporate Restructuring
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Nora is a partner in Gateley Middle East’s corporate team and is based in the Dubai office. Nora has more than 15 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer.
Nora has advised on several corporate transactions, working with clients operating in the education, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, and retail and consumer sectors. She advises family businesses on restructurings, corporate governance and compliance, shareholder arrangements, succession planning, asset ownership structuring, Shari’a-compliance, dispute resolution, and sustainability of family businesses. In addition, Nora advises clients on their complex domestic and cross-border corporate restructurings.
Areas of expertise: Norlisa advises family businesses, across a range of sectors from education to retail, on restructurings, corporate governance and compliance, shareholder arrangements, succession planning, asset ownership structuring, Shari’a-compliance, dispute resolution, and sustainability of family businesses. In addition, Norlisa advises clients on their complex domestic and cross-border corporate restructurings.
Languages spoken: English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Norlisa is an associate in Gateley Middle East’s corporate group and is based in the Dubai office. She advises family businesses and corporations on corporate restructurings, succession planning, and general corporate and commercial matters. Norlisa has advised on a number of corporate transactions, having worked with clients operating in the retail and consumer sectors. She also advises governments and public bodies on legislation relating to family businesses in the UAE and KSA.
Her experience includes advising family businesses in the UAE and KSA on their restructuring of regional and global asset portfolios to assist with succession planning and ensuring the sustainability of the business. She was also a member of a working group that provided legal recommendations to a public body, contributing to the UAE Federal Law for family businesses introduced in 2022 and effective from January 2023. Norlisa also has experience drafting constitutional documents for foundations and holding companies, as well as amending family protocols in line with a family business’ new ownership structure.
Norlisa is admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London in 2014.
Areas of expertise: Finance, Family & Corporate Governance, Asset Mangament, Philantrophy
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Racha Khalil is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in Finance, business performance, asset management, and philanthropy serving discreetly Families of Wealth. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and has earned multiple certifications: CFWA (FFI), IFRS, Columbia Business School’s Management Essentials, and Zakat Management.
Racha has developed her expertise across various sectors of family businesses. In her most recent role as Senior Manager, she led support services and operations for a single-family office, managing financial oversight, governance, internal policies and procedures, enterprise applications, in addition to philanthropic initiatives.
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Experienced and goal-driven Assistant Manager in the Forensics and Integrity Services within Ernst & Young (EY) Consulting, with over 8 years of experience in finance across hospitality, logistics, and real estate sectors. Specialized in wealth management, accounts payable/receivable, compliance, and financial analysis. Skilled in managing complex projects, offering comprehensive guidance, and handling financial statements, inventory, and cash flow management. Certified in Family Business Advising (CFBA) and Family Wealth Advising (CFWA), with deep expertise in wealth management for family businesses.
Areas of expertise: Richard advises high‑net‑worth individuals, family businesses and private enterprises across MENA on structuring, succession, and governance. He has led major restructurings, M&A and joint ventures across key sectors, and regularly supports international companies with UAE market entry. His expertise also spans private equity and venture capital, particularly technology and media.
Languages spoken: English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Richard has extensive experience advising high-net-worth individuals, family businesses and privately held enterprises across the MENA region. His practice bridges complex corporate transactions and bespoke wealth structuring, positioning him as a trusted adviser to many of the region’s most prominent families and private clients. Richard specialises in advising family-owned groups on restructuring, succession planning and governance frameworks that preserve legacy while enabling growth.
He has advised some of the largest family companies in the Middle East on their corporate structuring, trust establishment, and intergenerational planning strategies, bringing a commercial and pragmatic approach to deeply personal and often sensitive matters. In parallel, Richard has led numerous domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate reorganisations, with particular experience across key regional sectors, including healthcare, education, logistics, food and beverage, and retail. He regularly advises international businesses on market entry strategies and structuring options to carry on business in the UAE, with deep familiarity with onshore, offshore, and free zone regimes.
He also has experience in regional private equity and venture capital transactions, particularly in advising on investments in technology and media. This is an area of growing interest to regional family offices and next-generation business leaders.
Areas of expertise: Developing and implementing of Family Governance processes, structures, and alignments. Comprehensive family constitution; family roles & responsibilities and governance structures; succession planning; conflict management. Enterprise Governance, Board of Directors; management roles and responsibilities; organization structures, and functional alignments.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, French
Advisory Certification(s): Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising (ACFBA)
Professional bio:
Background
A seasoned C-level executive and Principal at Flairworks Management Consultancies, Samir brings a distinct mix of hands-on executive leadership experience and professional governance insights to family-owned businesses. Over two decades in his corporate leadership roles, he has worked closely with large family businesses in the MEA countries to develop and implement strategies for business growth and profitability. This involved building strong trust and communication, maintaining the highest standards of market knowledge and service levels, and fostering excellence in leadership and operational teams.
Family Business Advising
Our work in family business advising focuses on family and enterprise governance. As insiders to the Middle East markets and cultures, our extensive executive experience and insights into family business dynamics enable us to assess the issues and needs and guide the development of bespoke solutions for longer-term sustainability. Our approach is collaborative, guiding the processes with full participation of the stakeholders.
Areas of Focus
Family governance focuses on organizing how the family communicates and interacts with itself, the shareholders, and the business. This involves developing the comprehensive pillars of good governance that the family may require: the family constitution, conflict management processes, governance structures, and succession planning.
Enterprise or corporate governance involves developing the processes and structures that increase the effectiveness of managing the family business for greater sustainability. This includes the board of directors, a clear organizational structure based on clear and well-documented roles and responsibilities, and policies and procedures across all parts of the enterprise.
Regional Experience, global thinking
Based in Dubai, we bring both regional insight and an international perspective. We understand the cultural nuances that shape family enterprises and we craft solutions tailored to each unique environment, applying best practices with local sensitivities.
Education
Samir is a graduate in economics from the American University of Beirut, and holds an advanced certificate (ACFBA) in family business advising from the Family Firm Institute in the U.S.
Areas of expertise: Hospitality, Real Estate, Finance & Management, Family Office Structuring and Re-Structuring and Capital Raising & Re-structuring
Languages spoken: English, Hindi & Bengali
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Sanjeev, the Founder & CEO of ARIA Consultancy in Dubai, established in 2021, specializes in family office consulting, hospitality, finance, management, and real estate. He is skilled in setting up family trusts and foundations, succession planning, corporate governance, wealth preservation, and the transgenerational transfer of wealth, with extensive experience in the DIFC jurisdiction for corporate structuring and restructuring. Sanjeev served as Asset Manager and Owner Representative for the floating hotel asset "Queen Elizabeth Hotel" in Dubai, owned by the Government of Dubai and operated by ACCOR, from May 2022 to August 2023. He also served as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of ASIAN HOTELS (North) Ltd India, overseeing the 508-key Hyatt Regency New Delhi from October 2021 to April 2024.
Prior to founding ARIA Consultancy, Sanjeev spent over two decades with Al Habtoor Group, a leading family office in Dubai, holding key roles such as Board Member, Assistant Group MD, Group COO, Group CFO, and CIO from 1997 to 2021. He played a pivotal role in hospitality, investments, real estate, finance, and management operations, including the acquisition of The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Budapest and the divestment of The Monkey Island Hotel in the UK. From 2003 to 2006, he was Assistant CEO for Lebanon Operations at Al Habtoor Group, where he contributed to the development of several key projects in Lebanon. He was also Chief Strategy Officer and VP of Funding & Investments at Meraas Holding from 2014 to 2016, leading the funding for mega projects and raising approximately AED 18 billion.
Sanjeev holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) in India, and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA.
Areas of expertise: At BNY Wealth, we manage over $50 trillion in assets for our clients, which is 20% of the investment on this planet. As a Globally Systematically Important Bank, we are always prepared for the future and ensuring that money works for the world. Our 240 years of experience working with multiple generations have given us unique insights into how to help family offices institutionalize while remaining resilient. We offer a wide range of services, including custody, investment accounting, performance reporting, institutional money management, security lending, and outsourced CIO services.
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Although Shadi works for BNY, ultimately, he is an extension and part of your family office! he is invested and have a vested interest in your success especially if it is about reducing the overall cost of running your family office.
Shadi is responsible for the family office business in EMEA at BNY, where they have the privilege of helping families safeguard and manage their wealth. The team and Shadi have developed a reputation for breaking down complex financial concepts into straightforward, pragmatic advice.
The primary focus is on helping families manage their wealth in a way that feels right to them. BNY Wealth provides a broad spectrum of services tailored specifically to the unique needs of family offices. This includes asset safekeeping, investment management, and performance reporting.
Shadi's personal values mesh with the firm ones; being strong advocate for fiduciary principles and governance within the financial industry.
Shadi enjoys sharing insights and latest trends at industry conferences on topics such as family governance, philanthropy, succession planning, and impact investing.
His approach to working with families is deeply personal and relationship-driven. The team and Shadi view their roles not just as advisors, but as partners and an extension of the family office, guiding families through the ever-changing global financial markets. Shadi's ultimate goal is to ensure that regional family offices wealth and legacy are preserved for generations to come.
Designation: Partner, Head of Private Wealth & Family Offices
Organization: Hourani and Partners
Areas of expertise: Private Wealth & Family Offices, Sharia'h Compliant Estate and Succession Planning, Cross Border Estate and Succession Planning, Foundations, Trusts and Wills, Asset Protection, Family Governance and Family Constitutions
Languages spoken: English, Hindu, Urdu
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Sunita advises significant Middle Eastern business families, private clients, family offices, trustees, private banks, regulatory authorities and foreign law firms on Cross Border Estate and Succession Planning, Principles of Sharia'h Wealth Management, formulating and implementing Family Codes of Governance, Family Constitutions and establishing Family Offices.
Sunita is known for dedicating time to teaching and spreading awareness, of current legal and practical updates and developments in the regional private wealth sector, within the global advisory community.
She is a full member of STEP (Arabia), regularly chairs and presents at international wealth management forums and is highly respected by members of the Global Private Client Industry.
Sunita is regarded as a leading authority on Middle East private client issues by numerous global private wealth industry groups, she serves as the Middle East Advisory Board Member for the International Tax Practice Association and is ranked in the highest category by Chambers and Partners as a Private Client and High Net Worth Adviser. She consistently wins awards and accolades in recognition of her professional family business and family office advisory role in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. She received the 2024 Private Client Lawyer of the Year Award and is a Top Recommended lawyer for Trusts, Structuring and Offshore by Spears Tax and Trust Advisers Index 2023. She also serves as the Middle East Advisory Board Member for the ITPA.
In 2025, Hourani & Partner's Private Wealth & Family Offices team, in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism and the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, contributed to the Dubai Family Business Guidebook, a landmark roadmap helping family enterprises modernize governance, structure succession and secure long-term growth. In recognition of her professionalism and mentorship of women in the region, Sunita was elected to be the founding chairperson for the UAE Women’s Presidents Organization.
Organization: Business Experts Consulting & Training Group
Areas of expertise: Family Business Consulting, Family Wealth Consulting, Corporate Governance, Executive Coaching, Management and Finance Consulting, Management and Finance Training, Self-Development Training, Life Coaching and Private Personal Fitness Training
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA)
Professional bio:
Waleed, https://waleedalkalash.com, is a PhD researcher in Business Administration / Family Business. He has extensive experience with more than 25 years in leading positions in the private sector: Finance, Corporate Banking, Credit & Risk, Management, Social, Self-Development, and in the public sector at Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development as former Assistant Deputy Minister for Labor Policies. He worked also as Deputy Sector Head of City Operators and Compliance, Head of Delivery Office, and Head of Control Center at Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs & Housing.
Waleed is a licensed expert by Consulting Profession Management at Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia in Finance (CFE) and Management (CME) as well as a licensed consultant in Labor (CLC). Waleed is a certified trainer (CT) by Technical & Vocational Training Corporation in Management, Finance, Social, and Self-Development. He is also Certified Credit Risk Professional (CCRP). Waleed is also a writer and journalist by General Commission for Audiovisual Media, and a member of Saudi Journalists Association. Celebrity License (Mawthooq) for Advertisement in Waleed’s Social Media accounts, issued by General Authority of Media Regulation.
Areas of expertise: Thought Leadership, Dynastic Planning, Family Governance Transformation, Generational Transition Preparedness, Mediation & Conflict Management, Legal Strategy, Board Membership
Languages spoken: Arabic, English & French
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Walid S. Chiniara, Esq., is an international finance lawyer, a family business advisor, and a thought leader in the field of governance, its history, and philosophical foundation, with over forty years of experience.
As the author of Dynastic Planning: A 7-Step Approach to Family Business Succession Planning and Related Conflict Management, Walid offers insights drawn from his extensive experience working alongside over 170 prominent families around the world. His innovative 7-Step Methodology™ has earned him the reputation as the go-to expert for 'mission impossible' family business succession planning.
In July 2024, Family Capital recognized Walid as the leading advisor to family enterprises in the GCC, ranking him among the top five advisors globally in his field.
Areas of expertise: Single and Multi-Family Offices, Foundations, Legacy and Group & Family Holdings
Languages spoken: English, French, German and Czech
Advisory Certification(s): Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA)
Professional bio:
Yann is the Managing Partner of M/HQ. He chiefly focuses on private wealth and Intergenerational planning.
He has vast experience advising successful individuals and entrepreneurial families with Middle Eastern exposure on implementing intergenerational wealth transfer strategies and structuring their operational assets and global wealth through Family- and Group- Holdings, Single- and Multi- Family offices, Foundations, and other asset consolidation/protection and legacy structures. He is regularly involved in the ongoing management of such structures – as a board member, council member, guardian, or protector. Strong practical experience of working with regulators.
A two-time WealthBriefing MENA Leading Individual awardee [2020 & 2021], Yann is recommended by all of Chambers & Partners Private wealth, Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite, and Who’s Who legal private client. He was the Chair of STEP Arabia from 2015 to 2018.
Designation: Head, Family Office and Wealth Advisory
Organization: Bank of Singapore
Areas of expertise: Family Governance. Family Office, Wealth Planning
Languages spoken: Arabic & English
Advisory Certification(s): N/A
Professional bio:
Yasmine has spent her career working with families in business across the Middle East. Yasmine's practice focuses primarily on devising multi–generational succession plans and governance systems using region specific tools designed to propagate harmony, fairness and transparency within a family business context. She helps families define their goals and is adept at developing processes and establishing the structures and relationships that support families going through changes both within the business and family systems, supporting them in the wealth structuring on the family side, and in corporate re-engineering and governance on the business side.
Her expertise in creating bespoke governance frameworks and specifically tailored family constitutions contributes to the successful implementation and activation of the proposed policies and frameworks.
Yasmine earned the STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising in 2015.
